EXHIBIT 2.1
________________________________________________________________________________
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
DATED AS OF FEBRUARY 14, 2000
BY AND BETWEEN
SOUTHBANC SHARES, INC.
AND
HERITAGE BANCORP, INC.
________________________________________________________________________________
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page No.
Introductory Statement........................................................................... 4
ARTICLE I The Merger......................................................................... 5
Section 1.1. Structure of the Merger........................................................ 5
Section 1.2. Effect on Outstanding Shares of Heritage Common Stock.......................... 5
Section 1.3. Election and Proration Procedures.............................................. 6
Section 1.4. Exchange Procedures............................................................ 9
Section 1.5. Effect on Outstanding Shares of SouthBanc Common Stock......................... 11
Section 1.6. Directors of SouthBanc after Effective Time.................................... 11
Section 1.7. Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws of the Surviving Corporation........... 11
Section 1.8. Heritage Stock Options and Restricted Stock.................................... 12
Section 1.9. Dissenters' Rights............................................................. 12
ARTICLE II Representations and Warranties..................................................... 13
Section 2.1. Representations and Warranties of Heritage..................................... 13
Section 2.2. Representations and Warranties of SouthBanc ................................... 27
ARTICLE III Conduct Pending the Merger......................................................... 41
Section 3.1. Conduct of Business Prior to the Effective Time................................ 41
Section 3.2. Forbearances................................................................... 42
ARTICLE IV Covenants.......................................................................... 44
Section 4.1. Acquisition Proposals.......................................................... 44
Section 4.2. Access and Information......................................................... 46
Section 4.3. Applications; Consents......................................................... 46
Section 4.4. Antitakeover Provisions........................................................ 47
Section 4.5. Additional Agreements.......................................................... 47
Section 4.6. Publicity...................................................................... 47
Section 4.7. Stockholders Meetings.......................................................... 47
Section 4.8. Registration of SouthBanc Common Stock......................................... 48
Section 4.9. Affiliate Letters.............................................................. 49
Section 4.10. Notification of Certain Matters................................................ 49
Section 4.11. Employees, Directors and Officers.............................................. 49
Section 4.12. Indemnification................................................................ 51
Section 4.13. Dividends...................................................................... 53
Section 4.14. Section 16 Matters............................................................. 53
ARTICLE V Conditions to Consummation......................................................... 53
Section 5.1. Conditions to Each Party's Obligations......................................... 53
Section 5.2. Conditions to the Obligations of SouthBanc .................................... 55
Section 5.3. Conditions to the Obligations of Heritage...................................... 56
ARTICLE VI Termination........................................................................ 56
Section 6.1. Termination.................................................................... 56
Section 6.2. Effect of Termination.......................................................... 58
ARTICLE VII Closing, Effective Date and Effective Time......................................... 58
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Section 7.1. Effective Date and Effective Time.............................................. 58
Section 7.2. Deliveries at the Closing...................................................... 59
ARTICLE VIII Certain Other Matters.............................................................. 59
Section 8.1. Certain Definitions; Interpretation............................................ 59
Section 8.2. Survival....................................................................... 63
Section 8.3. Waiver; Amendment.............................................................. 63
Section 8.4. Counterparts................................................................... 63
Section 8.5. Governing Law.................................................................. 63
Section 8.6. Expenses....................................................................... 63
Section 8.7. Notices........................................................................ 63
Section 8.8. Entire Agreement; etc.......................................................... 64
Section 8.9. Successors and Assigns; Assignment............................................. 65
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EXHIBITS
Exhibit A Heritage Stock Option Agreement
Exhibit B SouthBanc Stock Option Agreement
Exhibit C Form of Affiliate Letter
Exhibit D Form of Employment Agreement between SouthBanc and J. Xxxxxx
Xxxxx
Exhibit E Form of Employment Agreement between Heritage Federal and J.
Xxxxxx Xxxxx
Exhibit F Form of Change in Control Agreement
SCHEDULES
Schedule 2.1(b) Subsidiaries of Heritage
Schedule 2.1(c) Heritage Stock Options
Schedule 2.1(f) Consents and Approvals of Heritage
Schedule 2.1(l) Material Contracts of Heritage
Schedule 2.1(n) Employee Benefit Plan of Heritage
Schedule 2.1(s) Problem Assets of Heritage
Schedule 2.2(b) Subsidiaries of SouthBanc
Schedule 2.2(f) Consents and Approvals of SouthBanc
Schedule 2.2(l) Material Contracts of SouthBanc
Schedule 2.2(n) Employee Benefit Plans of SouthBanc
Schedule 2.2(s) Problem Assets of SouthBanc
Schedule 3.2 Permitted Activities
4
Agreement and Plan of Merger
----------------------------
This is an Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of the 14th
day of February, 2000 ("Agreement"), by and between SouthBanc Shares, Inc., a
Delaware corporation ("SouthBanc"), and Heritage Bancorp, Inc., a Delaware
corporation ("Heritage").
Introductory Statement
----------------------
The Board of Directors of each of SouthBanc and Heritage (i)
has determined that this Agreement and the business combination and related
transactions contemplated hereby are advisable and in the best interests of
SouthBanc and Heritage, respectively, and in the best long-term interests of
their respective stockholders, (ii) has determined that this Agreement and the
transactions contemplated hereby are consistent with, and in furtherance of, its
respective business strategies and (iii) has approved, at meetings of each of
such Boards of Directors, this Agreement.
The parties hereto intend that the Merger as defined herein
shall qualify as a reorganization under the provisions of Section 368(a) of the
IRC (as defined in Section 8.1) for federal income tax purposes, and that the
Merger shall be accounted for as a purchase transaction for accounting purposes.
SouthBanc and Heritage desire to make certain representations,
warranties and agreements in connection with the business combination and
related transactions provided for herein and to prescribe various conditions to
such transactions.
As a condition and inducement to SouthBanc's willingness to
enter into this Agreement and the SouthBanc Stock Option Agreement referred to
below, SouthBanc and Heritage are entering into a Stock Option Agreement dated
as of the date hereof in the form of Exhibit A (the "Heritage Stock Option
---------
Agreement"), pursuant to which Heritage is granting to SouthBanc an option to
purchase shares of Heritage Common Stock (as defined in Section 8.1), and as a
condition and inducement to Heritage's willingness to enter into this Agreement
and the Heritage Stock Option Agreement, Heritage and SouthBanc are entering
into a Stock Option Agreement dated as of the date hereof in the form of Exhibit
-------
B (the "SouthBanc Stock Option Agreement"), pursuant to which SouthBanc is
-
granting to Heritage an option to purchase shares of SouthBanc Common Stock (as
defined in Section 8.1).
In consideration of their mutual promises and obligations
hereunder, the parties hereto adopt and make this Agreement and prescribe the
terms and conditions hereof and the manner and basis of carrying it into effect,
which shall be as follows:
ARTICLE I
The Merger
----------
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Section 1.1. Structure of the Merger. On the Effective
-----------------------
Date (as defined in Section 7.1), Heritage will merge with and into SouthBanc
("Merger") pursuant to the provisions of, and with the effect provided for in,
Delaware Law (as defined in Section 8.1). Upon consummation of the Merger, the
separate corporate existence of Heritage shall cease. SouthBanc shall be the
surviving corporation (hereinafter sometimes referred to in such capacity as the
"Surviving Corporation") in the Merger and shall continue to be governed by the
laws of the State of Delaware and its name and separate corporate existence,
with all of its rights, privileges, immunities, powers and franchises, shall
continue unaffected by the Merger. From and after the Effective Time (as defined
in Section 7.1), SouthBanc shall possess all of the properties and rights and be
subject to all of the liabilities and obligations of Heritage, all as more fully
described under Delaware Law.
Section 1.2. Effect on Outstanding Shares of Heritage Common
-----------------------------------------------
Stock.
-----
(a) By virtue of the Merger, automatically and without
any action on the part of the holder thereof, each share of Heritage Common
Stock issued and outstanding at the Effective Time, other than Excluded Shares
(as defined in Section 8.1), shall become and be converted into, at the election
of the holder as provided in and subject to the limitations set forth in this
Agreement, either (i) the right to receive $17.65 in cash without interest (the
"Cash Consideration") or (ii) the number of shares of SouthBanc common stock
equal to the Exchange Ratio (as defined below) (the "Stock Consideration"). The
Cash Consideration and the Stock Consideration are sometimes referred to herein
collectively as the "Merger Consideration." The Exchange Ratio shall be equal
(rounded to the nearest one-thousandth) to (w) 1.109 if the SouthBanc Price (as
defined in Section 8.1) is $15.92 or less, (x) the result obtained by dividing
$17.65 by the SouthBanc Price if the SouthBanc Price is greater than $15.92 and
less than $20.60, (y) 0.857 if the SouthBanc Price is $20.60 or more and less
than $23.41 or (z) the result obtained by dividing $20.06 by the SouthBanc Price
if the SouthBanc Price is $23.41 or more; provided, however, that if a
Triggering Event (as defined in Section 8.1) has occurred and the SouthBanc
Price is greater than $23.41, then the Exchange Ratio shall be equal to 0.857.
(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of this
Agreement, no fraction of a share of SouthBanc Common Stock and no certificates
or scrip therefor will be issued in the Merger; instead, SouthBanc shall pay to
each holder of Heritage Common Stock who would otherwise be entitled to a
fraction of a share of SouthBanc Common Stock an amount in cash, rounded to the
nearest cent, determined by multiplying such fraction by the SouthBanc Price.
(c) If, between the date of this Agreement and the
Effective Time (and as permitted by Section 3.2), the outstanding shares of
SouthBanc Common Stock or the outstanding shares of Heritage Common Stock shall
have been changed into a different number of shares or into a different class by
reason of any stock dividend, subdivision, reclassification, recapitalization,
split, combination or exchange of shares, the Merger Consideration shall be
adjusted appropriately to provide the holders of Heritage Common Stock the same
economic effect as contemplated by this Agreement prior to such event.
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(d) As of the Effective Time, each Excluded Share, other
than Dissenters' Shares (as defined in Section 1.9), shall be canceled and
retired and shall cease to exist, and no exchange or payment shall be made with
respect thereto. All shares of SouthBanc Common Stock that are held by Heritage,
if any, other than shares held in a fiduciary capacity or in satisfaction of a
debt previously contracted, shall be canceled and shall constitute authorized
but unissued shares. In addition, no Dissenters' Shares shall be converted into
the Merger Consideration pursuant to this Section 1.2 but instead shall be
treated in accordance with the provisions set forth in Section 1.9 of this
Agreement.
Section 1.3. Election and Proration Procedures.
---------------------------------
(a) An election form (an "Election Form") and other
appropriate and customary transmittal materials, which shall specify that
delivery shall be effected, and risk of loss and title to the certificates
theretofore representing Heritage Common Stock ("Certificates") shall pass, only
upon proper delivery of such Certificates to a bank or trust company designated
by SouthBanc and reasonably satisfactory to Heritage (the "Exchange Agent") in
such form as Heritage and SouthBanc shall mutually agree shall be mailed on the
Mailing Date (as defined below) to each holder of record of shares of Heritage
Common Stock (other than holders of Dissenters' Shares or shares of Heritage
Common Stock to be canceled as provided in Section 1.2(d)) as of a record date
which shall be the same date as the record date for eligibility to vote on the
Merger. The "Mailing Date" shall be the date on which proxy materials relating
to the Merger are mailed to holders of shares of Heritage Common Stock.
(b) Each Election Form shall entitle the holder of shares
of Heritage Common Stock (or the beneficial owner through appropriate and
customary documentation and instructions) to (i) elect to receive the Cash
Consideration for all of such holder's shares (a "Cash Election"), (ii) elect to
receive the Stock Consideration for all of such holder's shares (a "Stock
Election"), (iii) elect to receive the Cash Consideration with respect to some
of such holder's shares and the Stock Consideration with respect to such
holder's remaining shares (a "Mixed Election"), or (iv) make no election or to
indicate that such holder has no preference as to the receipt of the Cash
Consideration or the Stock Consideration (a "Non-Election"). Holders of record
of shares of Heritage Common Stock who hold such shares as nominees, trustees or
in other representative capacities (a "Representative") may submit multiple
Election Forms, provided that such Representative certifies that each such
Election Form covers all the shares of Heritage Common Stock held by that
Representative for a particular beneficial owner. Shares of Heritage Common
Stock as to which a Cash Election has been made (including pursuant to a Mixed
Election) are referred to herein as "Cash Election Shares." Shares of Heritage
Common Stock as to which a Stock Election has been made (including pursuant to a
Mixed Election) are referred to herein as "Stock Election Shares." Shares of
Heritage Common Stock as to which no election has been made are referred to as
"Non-Election Shares." The aggregate number of shares of Heritage Common Stock
with respect to which a Stock Election has been made is referred to herein as
the "Stock Election Number."
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(c) To be effective, a properly completed Election Form
shall be submitted to the Exchange Agent on or before 5:00 p.m. New York City
time on the 20th calendar day following the Mailing Date (or such other time and
date as Heritage and SouthBanc may mutually agree) (the "Election Deadline"). An
election shall have been properly made only if the Exchange Agent shall have
actually received a properly completed Election Form by the Election Deadline.
An Election Form shall be deemed properly completed only if accompanied by one
or more Certificates (or customary affidavits and, if required by SouthBanc
pursuant to Section 1.4(i), indemnification regarding the loss or destruction of
such Certificates or the guaranteed delivery of such Certificates) representing
all shares of Heritage Common Stock covered by such Election Form, together with
duly executed transmittal materials included with the Election Form. Any
Heritage stockholder may at any time prior to the Election Deadline change his
or her election by written notice received by the Exchange Agent prior to the
Election Deadline accompanied by a properly completed and signed revised
Election Form. Any Heritage stockholder may, at any time prior to the Election
Deadline, revoke his or her election by written notice received by the Exchange
Agent prior to the Election Deadline or by withdrawal prior to the Election
Deadline of his or her Certificates, or of the guarantee of delivery of such
Certificates, previously deposited with the Exchange Agent. All elections shall
be revoked automatically if the Exchange Agent is notified in writing by
SouthBanc and Heritage that this Agreement has been terminated. If a stockholder
either (i) does not submit a properly completed Election Form by the Election
Deadline, or (ii) revokes its Election Form prior to the Election Deadline, the
shares of Heritage Common Stock held by such stockholder shall be designated
Non-Election Shares. SouthBanc shall cause the Certificates representing
Heritage Common Stock described in (ii) to be promptly returned without charge
to the person submitting the Election Form upon written request to that effect
from the person who submitted the Election Form. Subject to the terms of this
Agreement and of the Election Form, the Exchange Agent shall have reasonable
discretion to determine whether any election, revocation or change has been
properly or timely made and to disregard immaterial defects in any Election
Form, and any good faith decisions of the Exchange Agent regarding such matters
shall be binding and conclusive.
(d) Notwithstanding any other provision contained in this
Agreement, 50% of the total number of shares of Heritage Common Stock
outstanding at the Effective Time, less 50% of the aggregate number of shares of
Heritage Common Stock acquired by SouthBanc prior to the Effective Time (the
"Stock Conversion Number"), shall be converted into the Stock Consideration and
the remaining outstanding shares of Heritage Common Stock shall be converted
into the Cash Consideration (in each case, excluding (i) shares of Heritage
Common Stock to be canceled as provided in Section 1.2(d) and (ii) Dissenters'
Shares (the shares remaining outstanding after such exclusion constituting, for
purposes of this Agreement, the "Outstanding Heritage Shares")); provided,
however, that for federal income tax purposes, it is intended that the Merger
will qualify as a reorganization under the provisions of Section 368(a) of the
IRC and, notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, in order
that the Merger will not fail to satisfy continuity of interest requirements
under applicable federal
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income tax principles relating to reorganizations under Section 368(a) of the
IRC, as reasonably determined by counsel to SouthBanc and Heritage, SouthBanc
shall increase the number of outstanding Heritage shares that will be converted
into the Stock Consideration and reduce the number of outstanding Heritage
shares that will be converted into the right to receive the Cash Consideration.
(e) Within five business days after the later to occur of
the Election Deadline or the Effective Time, SouthBanc shall cause the Exchange
Agent to effect the allocation among holders of Heritage Common Stock of rights
to receive the Cash Consideration and the Stock Consideration as follows:
(i) If the Stock Election Number exceeds the
Stock Conversion Number, then all Cash Election Shares and all Non-Election
Shares shall be converted into the right to receive the Cash Consideration, and
each holder of Stock Election Shares will be entitled to receive the Stock
Consideration in respect of that number of Stock Election Shares equal to the
product obtained by multiplying (x) the number of Stock Election Shares held by
such holder by (y) a fraction, the numerator of which is the Stock Conversion
Number and the denominator of which is the Stock Election Number, with the
remaining number of such holder's Stock Election Shares being converted into the
right to receive the Cash Consideration;
(ii) If the Stock Election Number is less than
the Stock Conversion Number (the amount by which the Stock Conversion Number
exceeds the Stock Election Number being referred to herein as the "Shortfall
Number"), then all Stock Election Shares shall be converted into the right to
receive the Stock Consideration and the Non-Election Shares and Cash Election
Shares shall be treated in the following manner:
(A) if the Shortfall Number is less than
or equal to the number of Non-Election Shares, then all Cash Election Shares
shall be converted into the right to receive the Cash Consideration and each
holder of Non-Election Shares shall receive the Stock Consideration in respect
of that number of Non-Election Shares equal to the product obtained by
multiplying (x) the number of Non-Election Shares held by such holder by (y) a
fraction, the numerator of which is the Shortfall Number and the denominator of
which is the total number of Non-Election Shares, with the remaining number of
such holder's Non-Election Shares being converted into the right to receive the
Cash Consideration; or
(B) if the Shortfall Number exceeds the
number of Non-Election Shares, then all Non-Election Shares shall be converted
into the right to receive the Stock Consideration, and each holder of Cash
Election Shares shall receive the Stock Consideration in respect of that number
of Cash Election Shares equal to the product obtained by multiplying (x) the
number of Cash Election Shares held by such holder by (y) a fraction, the
numerator of which is the amount by which (1) the Shortfall Number exceeds (2)
the total number of Non-Election Shares and the denominator of which is the
total number of Cash
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Election Shares, with the remaining number of such holder's Cash Election Shares
being converted into the right to receive the Cash Consideration.
For purposes of this Section 1.3(e), if SouthBanc is obligated
to increase the number of Outstanding Heritage Shares to be converted into
shares of SouthBanc Common Stock as a result of the application of the last
clause of Section 1.3(d) above, then the higher number shall be substituted for
the Stock Conversion Number in the calculations set forth in this Section
1.3(e).
Section 1.4. Exchange Procedures.
-------------------
(a) Appropriate transmittal materials ("Letter of
Transmittal") in a form satisfactory to SouthBanc and Heritage shall be mailed
as soon as practicable after the Effective Time to each holder of record of
Heritage Common Stock as of the Effective Time who did not previously submit a
completed Election Form. A Letter of Transmittal will be deemed properly
completed only if accompanied by certificates representing all shares of
Heritage Common Stock to be converted thereby.
(b) At and after the Effective Time, each Certificate
(except as specifically set forth in Section 1.2) shall represent only the right
to receive the Merger Consideration.
(c) Prior to the Effective Time, SouthBanc shall deposit,
or shall cause to be deposited, with the Exchange Agent, for the benefit of the
holders of shares of Heritage Common Stock, for exchange in accordance with this
Section 1.4, an amount of cash sufficient to pay the aggregate Cash
Consideration and the aggregate amount of cash in lieu of fractional shares to
be paid pursuant to Section 1.2, and SouthBanc shall reserve for issuance with
its transfer agent and registrar a sufficient number of shares of SouthBanc
Common Stock to provide for payment of the aggregate Stock Consideration.
(d) The Letter of Transmittal shall (i) specify that
delivery shall be effected, and risk of loss and title to the Certificates shall
pass, only upon delivery of the Certificates to the Exchange Agent, (ii) be in a
form and contain any other provisions as SouthBanc may reasonably determine and
(iii) include instructions for use in effecting the surrender of the
Certificates in exchange for the Merger Consideration. Upon the proper surrender
of the Certificates to the Exchange Agent, together with a properly completed
and duly executed Letter of Transmittal, the holder of such Certificates shall
be entitled to receive in exchange therefor (m) a certificate representing that
number of whole shares of SouthBanc Common Stock that such holder has the right
to receive pursuant to Section 1.2, if any, and (n) a check in the amount equal
to the cash that such holder has the right to receive pursuant to Section 1.2,
if any, (including any cash in lieu of fractional shares, if any, that such
holder has the right to receive pursuant to Section 1.2) and any dividends or
other distributions to which such holder is entitled pursuant to this Section
1.4. Certificates so surrendered shall forthwith be canceled. As soon as
practicable following receipt of the properly completed Letter of Transmittal
and any necessary accompanying documentation, the Exchange Agent shall
distribute SouthBanc Common Stock and cash as
10
provided herein. The Exchange Agent shall not be entitled to vote or exercise
any rights of ownership with respect to the shares of SouthBanc Common Stock
held by it from time to time hereunder, except that it shall receive and hold
all dividends or other distributions paid or distributed with respect to such
shares for the account of the persons entitled thereto. If there is a transfer
of ownership of any shares of Heritage Common Stock not registered in the
transfer records of Heritage, the Merger Consideration shall be issued to the
transferee thereof if the Certificates representing such Heritage Common Stock
are presented to the Exchange Agent, accompanied by all documents required, in
the reasonable judgment of SouthBanc and the Exchange Agent, (x) to evidence and
effect such transfer and (y) to evidence that any applicable stock transfer
taxes have been paid.
(e) No dividends or other distributions declared or made
after the Effective Time with respect to SouthBanc Common Stock shall be
remitted to any person entitled to receive shares of SouthBanc Common Stock
hereunder until such person surrenders his or her Certificates in accordance
with this Section 1.4. Upon the surrender of such person's Certificates, such
person shall be entitled to receive any dividends or other distributions,
without interest thereon, which theretofore had become payable with respect to
shares of SouthBanc Common Stock represented by such person's Certificates.
(f) The stock transfer books of Heritage shall be closed
immediately upon the Effective Time and from and after the Effective Time there
shall be no transfers on the stock transfer records of Heritage of any shares of
Heritage Common Stock. If, after the Effective Time, Certificates are presented
to SouthBanc, they shall be canceled and exchanged for the Merger Consideration
deliverable in respect thereof pursuant to this Agreement in accordance with the
procedures set forth in this Section 1.4.
(g) Any portion of the aggregate amount of cash to be
paid pursuant to Section 1.2, any dividends or other distributions to be paid
pursuant to this Section 1.4 or any proceeds from any investments thereof that
remains unclaimed by the stockholders of Heritage for six months after the
Effective Time shall be repaid by the Exchange Agent to SouthBanc upon the
written request of SouthBanc. After such request is made, any stockholders of
Heritage who have not theretofore complied with this Section 1.4 shall look only
to SouthBanc for the Merger Consideration deliverable in respect of each share
of Heritage Common Stock such stockholder holds, as determined pursuant to
Section 1.2 of this Agreement, without any interest thereon. If outstanding
Certificates are not surrendered prior to the date on which such payments would
otherwise escheat to or become the property of any governmental unit or agency,
the unclaimed items shall, to the extent permitted by any abandoned property,
escheat or other applicable laws, become the property of SouthBanc (and, to the
extent not in its possession, shall be paid over to it), free and clear of all
claims or interest of any person previously entitled to such claims.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, neither the Exchange Agent nor any party to this
Agreement (or any affiliate thereof) shall be liable to any former holder of
Heritage Common Stock for any amount delivered to a public official pursuant to
applicable abandoned property, escheat or similar laws.
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(h) SouthBanc and the Exchange Agent shall be entitled to
rely upon Heritage's stock transfer books to establish the identity of those
persons entitled to receive the Merger Consideration, which books shall be
conclusive with respect thereto. In the event of a dispute with respect to
ownership of stock represented by any Certificate, SouthBanc and the Exchange
Agent shall be entitled to deposit any Merger Consideration represented thereby
in escrow with an independent third party and thereafter be relieved with
respect to any claims thereto.
(i) If any Certificate shall have been lost, stolen or
destroyed, upon the making of an affidavit of that fact by the person claiming
such Certificate to be lost, stolen or destroyed and, if required by the
Exchange Agent, the posting by such person of a bond in such amount as the
Exchange Agent may direct as indemnity against any claim that may be made
against it with respect to such Certificate, the Exchange Agent will issue in
exchange for such lost, stolen or destroyed Certificate the Merger Consideration
deliverable in respect thereof pursuant to Section 1.2.
Section 1.5. Effect on Outstanding Shares of SouthBanc
-----------------------------------------
Common Stock. At and after the Effective Time, each share of SouthBanc Common
------------
Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall
remain an issued and outstanding share of common stock of the Surviving
Corporation and shall not be affected by the Merger.
Section 1.6. Directors of SouthBanc after Effective Time.
-------------------------------------------
From and after the Effective Time, until duly changed in compliance with
applicable law, the Board of Directors of SouthBanc shall consist of (i) Xxxxxx
X. Xxx and four directors designated by SouthBanc and (ii) J. Xxxxxx Xxxxx and
two directors designated by Heritage.
Section 1.7. Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws of
------------------------------------------
the Surviving Corporation. The certificate of incorporation and bylaws of
-------------------------
SouthBanc in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be the
certificate of incorporation and bylaws of the Surviving Corporation until
thereafter amended in accordance with applicable law.
Section 1.8. Heritage Stock Options and Restricted Stock.
-------------------------------------------
(a) At the Effective Time, each option to acquire shares
of Heritage Common Stock ("Heritage Option") granted pursuant to Heritage's 1998
Stock Option Plan (the "Heritage Option Plan") that is then outstanding and
unexercised, whether or not vested, shall be canceled, and in lieu thereof the
holders of such options shall be paid in cash an amount equal to the product of
(i) the number of shares of Heritage Common Stock subject to such option at the
Effective Time and (ii) an amount by which the $17.65 exceeds the exercise price
per share of such option, net of any cash which must be withheld under federal
and state income and employment tax requirements. In the event that the exercise
price of a Heritage Option is greater than $17.65, then at the Effective Time
such Heritage Option shall be canceled without any payment made in exchange
therefor. At the Effective Time the Heritage Option Plan shall be deemed
terminated.
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(b) Each restricted share of Heritage Common Stock
granted pursuant to the Heritage Bancorp, Inc. Management Recognition and
Development Plan (each such share, a "Heritage Restricted Share") that is
outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall vest and become free
of restrictions to the extent provided by the terms thereof. Each award of
Heritage Restricted Shares shall be converted, as of the Effective Time, into
the Merger Consideration and the aggregate Merger Consideration, net of any cash
which must be withheld under federal and state income and employment tax
requirements, shall be delivered to the respective holders of Heritage
Restricted Shares as soon as practicable following the Effective Time.
Section 1.9. Dissenters' Rights. Notwithstanding any
------------------
other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, shares of Heritage Common
Stock that are outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time and which are
held by stockholders who shall have not voted in favor of the Merger or
consented thereto in writing and who properly shall have demanded appraisal for
such shares in accordance with Delaware Law (collectively, the "Dissenters'
Shares") shall not be converted into or represent the right to receive the
Merger Consideration. Such stockholders instead shall be entitled to receive
payment of the appraised value of such shares held by them in accordance with
the provisions of Delaware Law, except that all Dissenters' Shares held by
stockholders who shall have failed to perfect or who effectively shall have
withdrawn or otherwise lost their rights to appraisal of such shares under
Delaware Law shall thereupon be deemed to have been converted into and to have
become exchangeable, as of the Effective Time, for the right to receive, without
any interest thereon, the Merger Consideration upon surrender in the manner
provided in Section 1.4 of the Heritage Certificate or Heritage Certificates
that, immediately prior to the Effective Time, evidenced such shares. Heritage
shall give SouthBanc (i) prompt notice of any written demands for appraisal of
any shares of Heritage Common Stock, attempted withdrawals of such demands and
any other instruments served pursuant to Delaware Law and received by Heritage
relating to stockholders' rights of appraisal, and (ii) the opportunity to
participate in all negotiations and proceedings with respect to demands under
Delaware Law consistent with the obligations of Heritage thereunder. Heritage
shall not, except with the prior written consent of SouthBanc, (x) make any
payment with respect to such demand, (y) offer to settle or settle any demand
for appraisal or (z) waive any failure to timely deliver a written demand for
appraisal or timely take any other action to perfect appraisal rights in
accordance with Delaware Law.
ARTICLE II
Representations and Warranties
------------------------------
Section 2.1. Representations and Warranties of Heritage.
------------------------------------------
Heritage represents and warrants to SouthBanc that:
(a) Organization.
------------
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(i) Heritage is a corporation duly organized,
validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware
and is registered as a savings and loan holding company.
(ii) Heritage Federal Bank ("Heritage Federal")
is a federally chartered savings bank duly organized and validly existing under
the laws of the United States of America. The deposits of Heritage Federal are
insured by the Savings Association Insurance Fund of the FDIC (as defined in
Section 8.1) to the extent provided in the FDIA (as defined in Section 8.1).
(iii) Heritage and Heritage Federal each has all
requisite corporate power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties
and to conduct the business currently being conducted by it. Heritage and
Heritage Federal are each duly qualified or licensed as a foreign corporation to
transact business and are in good standing in each jurisdiction in which the
character of the properties owned or leased by it or the nature of the business
conducted by it makes such qualification or licensing necessary, except where
the failure to be so qualified or licensed and in good standing would not have a
Material Adverse Effect (as defined in Section 8.1) on Heritage.
(b) Subsidiaries.
------------
(i) Schedule 2.1(b) sets forth (A) the name,
---------------
percentage ownership and number of shares of stock owned or controlled by
Heritage of each Subsidiary (as defined in Section 8.1); and (B) the
jurisdiction of incorporation, capitalization and ownership of each Subsidiary.
All such Subsidiaries and ownership interests are in compliance with all
applicable laws, rules and regulations relating to investments in equity
ownership interests by savings and loan holding companies or federally chartered
savings associations.
(ii) Heritage owns of record and beneficially all
the capital stock of each of its Subsidiaries free and clear of any claims,
liens, encumbrances or restrictions and there are no agreements or
understandings with respect to the voting or disposition of any such shares. The
outstanding shares of capital stock of each Subsidiary have been validly
authorized and are validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable. Each of
Heritage's Subsidiaries is a corporation duly organized and validly existing
under the laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation, has all requisite corporate
power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and to conduct the
business currently being conducted by it and is duly qualified or licensed as a
foreign corporation to transact business and is in good standing in each
jurisdiction in which the character of the properties owned or leased by it or
the nature of the business conducted by it makes such qualification or licensing
necessary, except where the failure to be so qualified or licensed and in good
standing would not have a Material Adverse Effect on Heritage.
(iii) None of Heritage's Subsidiaries holds shares
of its capital stock in its treasury, and there are not, and on the Closing Date
there will not be, outstanding (A) any options, warrants or other rights with
respect to the capital stock of any Subsidiary, (B) any securities convertible
into or exchangeable for shares of such capital stock or any other debt or
14
equity security of any Subsidiary or (C) any other commitments of any kind for
the issuance of additional shares of capital stock or other debt or equity
security of any Subsidiary or options, warrants or other rights with respect to
such securities.
(iv) No Subsidiary of Heritage other than
Heritage Federal is an "insured depository institution" as defined in the FDIA
and the applicable regulations thereunder.
(c) Capital Structure.
-----------------
(i) The authorized capital stock of Heritage
consists of:
(A) 10,000,000 shares of Heritage Common
Stock; and
(B) 500,000 shares of preferred stock,
par value $.01 per share.
(ii) As of the date of this Agreement:
(A) 4,301,089 shares of Heritage Common
Stock are issued and outstanding,
all of which are validly issued,
fully paid and nonassessable;
(B) no shares of Heritage preferred
stock are issued and outstanding or
held in Heritage's treasury;
(C) 416,588 shares of Heritage Common
Stock are reserved for issuance
pursuant to outstanding Heritage
Options under the Heritage Option
Plan; and
(D) 512,811 shares of Heritage Common
Stock are held by Heritage in its
treasury or by its Subsidiaries.
(iii) Set forth on Schedule 2.1(c) is a complete
---------------
and accurate list of all outstanding Heritage Options, including the names of
the optionees, dates of grant, exercise prices, dates of vesting, dates of
termination and shares subject to each grant. Following the Effective Time, no
holder of Heritage Options will have any right to receive shares of SouthBanc
Common Stock upon the exercise of Heritage Options.
(iv) No bonds, debentures, notes or other
indebtedness having the right to vote on any matters on which stockholders of
Heritage may vote are issued or outstanding.
(v) Except as set forth in this Section 2.1(c)
or on Schedule 2.1(c), as of the date of this Agreement, (A) no shares of
---------------
capital stock or other voting securities of Heritage are issued, reserved for
issuance or outstanding and (B) neither Heritage nor any of its Subsidiaries has
or is bound by any outstanding subscriptions, options, warrants, calls, rights,
15
convertible securities, commitments or agreements of any character obligating
Heritage or any of its Subsidiaries to issue, deliver or sell, or cause to be
issued, delivered or sold, any additional shares of capital stock of Heritage or
obligating Heritage or any of its Subsidiaries to grant, extend or enter into
any such option, warrant, call, right, convertible security, commitment or
agreement. As of the date hereof, there are no outstanding contractual
obligations of Heritage or any of its Subsidiaries to repurchase, redeem or
otherwise acquire any shares of capital stock of Heritage or any of its
Subsidiaries.
(d) Authority. Heritage has all requisite corporate
---------
power and authority to enter into this Agreement, to perform its obligations
hereunder and to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. The
execution and delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement have been duly authorized by all
necessary corporate actions on the part of Heritage's Board of Directors, and no
other corporate proceedings on the part of Heritage are necessary to authorize
this Agreement or to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement
other than the approval and adoption of this Agreement by the affirmative vote
of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Heritage Common Stock.
This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by Heritage and
constitutes a valid and binding obligation of Heritage, enforceable in
accordance with its terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency and
similar laws affecting creditors' rights and remedies generally and subject, as
to enforceability, to general principles of equity, whether applied in a court
of law or a court of equity.
(e) Fairness Opinion. Heritage has received the opinion
----------------
of Trident Securities to the effect that, as of the date hereof, the Merger
Consideration to be received by Heritage's stockholders is fair, from a
financial point of view, to such stockholders.
(f) No Violations; Consents.
-----------------------
(i) The execution, delivery and performance of
this Agreement by Heritage do not, and the consummation of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement will not, (A) assuming that the consents and
approvals referred to in Section 2.1(f)(ii) are obtained, violate of any law,
rule or regulation or any judgment, decree, order, governmental permit or
license to which Heritage or any of its Subsidiaries (or any of their respective
properties) is subject, (B) violate the certificate of incorporation or bylaws
of Heritage or the similar organizational documents of any of its Subsidiaries
or (C) constitute a breach or violation of, or a default under (or an event
which, with due notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute a default
under), or result in the termination of, accelerate the performance required by,
or result in the creation of any lien, pledge, security interest, charge or
other encumbrance upon any of the properties or assets of Heritage or any of its
Subsidiaries under, any of the terms, conditions or provisions of any note,
bond, indenture, deed of trust, loan agreement or other agreement, instrument or
obligation to which Heritage or any of its Subsidiaries is a party, or to which
any of their respective properties or assets may be subject, except, in the case
of (C), for any such breaches, violations or defaults that would not,
individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect on Heritage.
16
(ii) Except for (A) the filing of an application
with the OTS (as defined in Section 8.1) under the HOLA (as defined in Section
8.1) and approval of such application, (B) the filing of a certificate of merger
with the Delaware Secretary of State pursuant to Delaware Law, (C) the
registration under the Securities Act (as defined in Section 8.1) of the shares
of SouthBanc Common Stock to be issued in exchange for shares of Heritage Common
Stock, (D) the registration or qualification of the shares of SouthBanc Common
Stock to be issued in exchange for shares of Heritage Common Stock under state
securities or "blue sky" laws, and (E) such filings, authorizations or approvals
as may be set forth in Schedule 2.1(f), no consents or approvals of or filings
---------------
or registrations with any Governmental Entity (as defined in Section 8.1) or
with any third party are necessary in connection with the execution and delivery
by Heritage of this Agreement or the consummation by Heritage of the Merger and
the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement. As of the date hereof,
Heritage knows of no reason pertaining to Heritage why any of the approvals
referred to in this Section 2.1(f) should not be obtained without the imposition
of any material condition or restriction described in Section 5.1(b).
(g) Reports and Financial Statements.
--------------------------------
(i) Heritage and each of its Subsidiaries have
each timely filed all material reports, registrations and statements, together
with any amendments required to be made with respect thereto, that they were
required to file since December 31, 1997 with (A) the FDIC, (B) the OTS, (C) the
NASD (as defined in Section 8.1) and (D) the SEC (as defined in Section 8.1)
(collectively, "Heritage's Reports") and have paid all fees and assessments due
and payable in connection therewith. As of their respective dates, none of
Heritage's Reports contained any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted
to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the
statements made therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were
made, not misleading. All of Heritage's Reports filed with the SEC complied in
all material respects with the applicable requirements of the Exchange Act (as
defined in Section 8.1) and the rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated
thereunder.
(ii) Each of the financial statements of Heritage
included in Heritage's Reports filed with the SEC complied as to form, as of
their respective dates of filing with the SEC, in all material respects with
applicable accounting requirements and with the published rules and regulations
of the SEC with respect thereto. The financial statements included in Heritage's
Reports were prepared from the books and records of Heritage and its
Subsidiaries, fairly present the consolidated financial position of Heritage and
its Subsidiaries in each case at and as of the dates indicated and the
consolidated results of operations, retained earnings and cash flows of Heritage
and its Subsidiaries for the periods indicated, and, except as otherwise set
forth in the notes thereto, were prepared in accordance with GAAP (as defined in
Section 8.1) consistently applied throughout the periods covered thereby;
provided, however, that the unaudited financial statements for interim periods
are subject to normal year-end adjustments (which will not be material
individually or in the aggregate) and lack a statement of cash flows and
footnotes.
17
(h) Absence of Certain Changes or Events. Except as
------------------------------------
disclosed in Heritage's Reports filed with the SEC prior to the date of this
Agreement, since September 30, 1999, (i) Heritage and its Subsidiaries have not
incurred any liability, except in the ordinary course of their business
consistent with past practice, (ii) Heritage and its Subsidiaries have conducted
their respective businesses only in the ordinary and usual course of such
businesses consistent with their past practices, (iii) there has not been any
Material Adverse Effect with respect to Heritage, (iv) there has been no
increase in the salary, compensation, pension or other benefits payable or to
become payable by Heritage or any of its Subsidiaries to any of their respective
directors, officers or employees, other than in conformity with the policies and
practices of such entity in the usual and ordinary course of its business, (v)
neither Heritage nor any of its Subsidiaries has paid or made any accrual or
arrangement for payment of bonuses or special compensation of any kind or any
severance or termination pay to any of their directors, officers or employees,
and (vi) there has been no change in any accounting principles, practices or
methods of Heritage or any of its Subsidiaries other than as required by GAAP.
(i) Absence of Claims. There are no suits, actions or
-----------------
proceedings pending or, to the knowledge of Heritage, threatened against or
affecting Heritage or any of its Subsidiaries or any property or asset of
Heritage or any of its Subsidiaries which, individually or in the aggregate,
would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Heritage, nor
are there any judgments, decrees, injunctions, rules or orders of any
Governmental Entity or arbitrator outstanding against Heritage which,
individually or in the aggregate, would reasonably be expected to have a
Material Adverse Effect on Heritage.
(j) Absence of Regulatory Actions. Since December 31,
-----------------------------
1997, neither Heritage nor any of its Subsidiaries has been a party to any cease
and desist order, written agreement or memorandum of understanding with, or any
commitment letter or similar undertaking to, or has been subject to any action,
proceeding, order or directive by, or has been a recipient of any extraordinary
supervisory letter from any Government Regulator (as defined in Section 8.1), or
has adopted any board resolutions at the request of any Government Regulator, or
has been advised by any Government Regulator that it is contemplating issuing or
requesting (or is considering the appropriateness of issuing or requesting) any
such action, proceeding, order, directive, written agreement, memorandum of
understanding, extraordinary supervisory letter, commitment letter, board
resolutions or similar undertaking.
(k) Taxes. All federal, state, local and foreign tax
-----
returns required to be filed by or on behalf of Heritage or any of its
Subsidiaries have been timely filed or requests for extensions have been timely
filed and any such extension shall have been granted and not have expired, and
all such filed returns are complete and accurate in all material respects. All
taxes shown on such returns, all taxes required to be shown on returns for which
extensions have been granted and all other taxes required to be paid by Heritage
or any of its Subsidiaries have been paid in full or adequate provision has been
made for any such taxes on Heritage's balance sheet (in accordance with GAAP).
As of the date of this Agreement, there is no audit examination, deficiency
assessment, tax investigation or refund litigation with respect to any taxes of
Heritage or any of its Subsidiaries, and no claim has been made by any authority
in a jurisdiction where Heritage or any of its Subsidiaries do not file tax
returns that Heritage or any such Subsidiary is
18
subject to taxation in that jurisdiction. All taxes, interest, additions and
penalties due with respect to completed and settled examinations or concluded
litigation relating to Heritage or any of its Subsidiaries have been paid in
full or adequate provision has been made for any such taxes on Heritage's
balance sheet (in accordance with GAAP). Heritage and its Subsidiaries have not
executed an extension or waiver of any statute of limitations on the assessment
or collection of any material tax due that is currently in effect. Heritage and
each of its Subsidiaries has withheld and paid all taxes required to have been
withheld and paid in connection with amounts paid or owing to any employee,
independent contractor, creditor, stockholder or other third party, and Heritage
and each of its Subsidiaries has timely complied with all applicable information
reporting requirements under Part III, Subchapter A of Chapter 61 of the IRC and
similar applicable state and local information reporting requirements.
(l) Agreements.
----------
(i) Heritage and its Subsidiaries are not bound
by any material contract (as defined in Item 601(b)(10) of Regulation S-K
promulgated by the SEC), to be performed after the date hereof that has not been
filed with or incorporated by reference in Heritage's Reports.
(ii) Schedule 2.1(l) lists any contract,
---------------
arrangement, commitment or understanding (whether written or oral) to which
Heritage or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or is bound:
(A) with any executive officer or other
key employee of Heritage or any of its Subsidiaries the benefits of which are
contingent, or the terms of which are materially altered, upon the occurrence of
a transaction involving Heritage or any of its Subsidiaries of the nature
contemplated by this Agreement;
(B) with respect to the employment of
any directors, officers employees or consultants;
(C) (including any stock option plan,
phantom stock or stock appreciation rights plan, restricted stock plan or stock
purchase plan) any of the benefits of which will be increased, or the vesting or
payment of the benefits of which will be accelerated, by the occurrence of any
of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the value of any of the
benefits of which will be calculated on the basis of any of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement;
(D) containing covenants that limit the
ability of Heritage or any of its Subsidiaries to compete in any line of
business or with any person, or that involve any restriction on the geographic
area in which, or method by which, Heritage (including any successor thereof) or
any of its Subsidiaries may carry on its business (other than as may be required
by law or any regulatory agency);
19
(E) pursuant to which Heritage or any of
its Subsidiaries may become obligated to invest in or contribute capital to any
entity;
(F) not fully disclosed in Heritage's
Reports that relates to borrowings of money (or guarantees thereof) by Heritage
or any of its Subsidiaries, other than in the ordinary course of business; or
(G) which is a lease or license with
respect to any property, real or personal, whether as landlord, tenant, licensor
or licensee, involving a liability or obligation as obligor in excess of $25,000
on an annual basis.
To the knowledge of Heritage, each of the agreements and other documents
referenced in Schedule 2.1(l) is a valid, binding and enforceable obligation of
---------------
the parties sought to be bound thereby, subject to applicable bankruptcy,
insolvency and similar laws affecting creditors' rights and remedies generally
and subject, as to enforceability, to general principles of equity, whether
applied in a court of law or a court of equity. Heritage has previously
delivered to SouthBanc true and complete copies of each agreement and other
documents referenced in Schedule 2.1(l).
---------------
(iii) Neither Heritage nor any of its Subsidiaries
is in default under (and no event has occurred which, with due notice or lapse
of time or both, would constitute a default under) or is in violation of any
provision of any note, bond, indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, loan agreement,
lease or other agreement to which it is a party or by which it is bound or to
which any of its respective properties or assets is subject and, to the
knowledge of Heritage, no other party to any such agreement (excluding any loan
or extension of credit made by Heritage or any of its Subsidiaries) is in
default in any respect thereunder, except for such defaults or violations that
would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect on
Heritage.
(iv) Heritage and each of its Subsidiaries owns
or possesses valid and binding licenses and other rights to use without payment
all patents, copyrights, trade secrets, trade names, service marks and
trademarks used in its businesses, and neither Heritage nor any of its
Subsidiaries has received any notice of conflict with respect thereto that
asserts the right of others. Each of Heritage and its Subsidiaries has performed
all the obligations required to be performed by it and are not in default under
any contact, agreement, arrangement or commitment relating to any of the
foregoing.
(m) Labor Matters. Heritage and its Subsidiaries are in
-------------
material compliance with all applicable laws respecting employment, retention of
independent contractors and employment practices, terms and conditions of
employment and wages and hours. Neither Heritage nor any of its Subsidiaries is
or has ever been a party to, or is or has ever been bound by, any collective
bargaining agreement, contract or other agreement or understanding with a labor
union or labor organization with respect to its employees, nor is Heritage or
any of its Subsidiaries the subject of any proceeding asserting that it has
committed an unfair labor practice or seeking to compel it or any such
Subsidiary to bargain with any labor organization as to wages and conditions of
employment nor has any such proceeding been threatened, nor is there any
20
strike, other labor dispute or organizational effort involving Heritage or any
of its Subsidiaries pending or threatened.
(n) Employee Benefit Plans.
----------------------
(i) Schedule 2.1(n) contains a complete and
---------------
accurate list of all pension, retirement, stock option, stock purchase, stock
ownership, savings, stock appreciation right, profit sharing, deferred
compensation, consulting, bonus, group insurance, severance and other benefit
plans, contracts, agreements and arrangements, including, but not limited to,
"employee benefit plans," as defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA (as defined in
Section 8.1), incentive and welfare policies, contracts, plans and arrangements
and all trust agreements related thereto with respect to any present or former
directors, officers or other employees of Heritage or any of its Subsidiaries
(hereinafter referred to collectively as the "Heritage Employee Plans").
Heritage has previously delivered or made available to SouthBanc true and
complete copies of each agreement, plan and other documents referenced in
Schedule 2.1(n). There has been no announcement or commitment by Heritage or any
---------------
of its Subsidiaries to create an additional Heritage Employee Plan, or to amend
any Heritage Employee Plan, except for amendments required by applicable law
which do not materially increase the cost of such Heritage Employee Plan.
(ii) There is no pending or threatened
litigation, administrative action or proceeding relating to any Heritage
Employee Plan. All of the Heritage Employee Plans comply in all material
respects with all applicable requirements of ERISA, the IRC and other applicable
laws. There has occurred no "prohibited transaction" (as defined in Section 406
of ERISA or Section 4975 of the IRC) with respect to the Heritage Employee Plans
which is likely to result in the imposition of any penalties or taxes upon
Heritage or any of its Subsidiaries under Section 502(i) of ERISA or Section
4975 of the IRC.
(iii) No liability to the Pension Benefit
Guarantee Corporation has been or is expected by Heritage or any of its
Subsidiaries to be incurred with respect to any Heritage Employee Plan which is
subject to Title IV of ERISA ("Heritage Pension Plan"), or with respect to any
"single-employer plan" (as defined in Section 4001(a) of ERISA) currently or
formerly maintained by Heritage or any ERISA Affiliate (as defined in Section
8.1). No Heritage Pension Plan had an "accumulated funding deficiency" (as
defined in Section 302 of ERISA), whether or not waived, as of the last day of
the end of the most recent plan year ending prior to the date hereof; the fair
market value of the assets of each Heritage Pension Plan exceeds the present
value of the "benefit liabilities" (as defined in Section 4001(a)(16) of ERISA)
under such Heritage Pension Plan as of the end of the most recent plan year with
respect to the respective Heritage Pension Plan ending prior to the date hereof,
calculated on the basis of the actuarial assumptions used in the most recent
actuarial valuation for such Heritage Pension Plan as of the date hereof; and no
notice of a "reportable event" (as defined in Section 4043 of ERISA) for which
the 30-day reporting requirement has not been waived has been required to be
filed for any Heritage Pension Plan within the 12-month period ending on the
date hereof. Neither Heritage nor any of its Subsidiaries has provided, or is
required to provide, security to any Heritage Pension Plan or to any single-
employer plan of an ERISA Affiliate pursuant to Section
21
401(a)(29) of the IRC. Neither Heritage, its Subsidiaries, nor any ERISA
Affiliate has contributed to any "multiemployer plan," as defined in Section
3(37) of ERISA, on or after September 26, 1980.
(iv) Except as disclosed on Schedule 2.1(n), each
---------------
Heritage Employee Plan that is an "employee pension benefit plan" (as defined in
Section 3(2) of ERISA) and which is intended to be qualified under Section
401(a) of the IRC (a "Heritage Qualified Plan") has received a favorable
determination letter from the IRS (as defined in Section 8.1), and Heritage and
its Subsidiaries are not aware of any circumstances likely to result in
revocation of any such favorable determination letter. Each Heritage Qualified
Plan that is an "employee stock ownership plan" (as defined in Section
4975(e)(7) of the IRC) has satisfied all of the applicable requirements of
Sections 409 and 4975(e)(7) of the IRC and the regulations thereunder in all
respects and any assets of any such Heritage Qualified Plan that, as of the end
of the plan year, are not allocated to participants' individual accounts are
pledged as security for, and may be applied to satisfy, any securities
acquisition indebtedness.
(v) Heritage and its Subsidiaries do not have
any obligations for post-retirement or post-employment benefits under any
Heritage Employee Plan that cannot be amended or terminated upon 60 days' notice
or less without incurring any liability thereunder, except for coverage required
by Part 6 of Title I of ERISA or Section 4980B of the IRC, or similar state
laws, the cost of which is borne by the insured individuals. With respect to
Heritage or any of its Subsidiaries, for the Heritage Employee Plans listed in
Schedule 2.1(n), the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the
---------------
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby will not result in any
payment or series of payments by Heritage or any of its Subsidiaries to any
person which is an "excess parachute payment" (as defined in Section 280G of the
IRC) or is a nondeductible payment under Section 162(m) of the IRC, increase or
secure (by way of a trust or other vehicle) any benefits payable under any
Heritage Employee Plan or accelerate the time of payment or vesting of any such
benefit.
(o) Title to Assets. Heritage and each of its
---------------
Subsidiaries has good and insurable title to its properties and assets
(including any intellectual property asset such as any trademark, service xxxx,
trade name or copyright) and property acquired in a judicial foreclosure
proceeding or by way of a deed in lieu of foreclosure or similar transfer
whether real or personal, tangible or intangible, in each case free and clear of
any liens, security interests, encumbrances, mortgages, pledges, restrictions,
charges or rights or interests of others, except pledges to secure deposits and
other liens incurred in the ordinary course of business. Each lease pursuant to
which Heritage or any of its Subsidiaries is lessee or lessor is valid and in
full force and effect and neither Heritage nor any of its Subsidiaries, nor any
other party to any such lease is in default or in violation of any provisions of
any such lease. All material tangible properties of Heritage and each of its
Subsidiaries are in a good state of maintenance and repair, conform with all
applicable ordinances, regulations and zoning laws and are considered by
Heritage to be adequate for the current business of Heritage and its
Subsidiaries. To the knowledge of Heritage, none of the buildings, structures or
other improvements located on its real property encroaches upon or over any
adjoining parcel or real estate or any easement or right-of-way.
22
(p) Compliance with Laws. Heritage and each of its
--------------------
Subsidiaries has all permits, licenses, certificates of authority, orders and
approvals of, and has made all filings, applications and registrations with, all
Governmental Entities that are required in order to permit it to carry on its
business as it is presently conducted; all such permits, licenses, certificates
of authority, orders and approvals are in full force and effect, and no
suspension or cancellation of any of them is threatened. Neither Heritage nor
any of its Subsidiaries is in violation of, and Heritage and its Subsidiaries
have not been given notice or been charged with any violation of, any law,
ordinance, regulation, order, writ, rule, decree or condition to approval of any
Governmental Entity which, individually or in the aggregate, would reasonably be
expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Heritage.
(q) Fees. Other than financial advisory services
----
performed for Heritage by Trident Securities pursuant to an agreement dated
February 9, 2000, a true and complete copy of which has been previously
delivered to SouthBanc, neither Heritage nor any of its Subsidiaries, nor any of
their respective officers, directors, employees or agents, has employed any
broker or finder or incurred any liability for any financial advisory fees,
brokerage fees, commissions or finder's fees, and no broker or finder has acted
directly or indirectly for Heritage or any of its Subsidiaries in connection
with this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby.
(r) Environmental Matters. There is no suit, claim,
---------------------
action, demand, executive or administrative order, directive, investigation or
proceeding pending or, to the knowledge of Heritage, threatened before any
court, governmental agency or board or other forum against Heritage or any of
its Subsidiaries for alleged noncompliance (including by any predecessor) with,
or liability under, any Environmental Law (as defined in Section 8.1) or
relating to the presence of or release into the environment of any Hazardous
Material (as defined in Section 8.1), whether or not occurring at or on a site
owned, leased or operated by it or any of its Subsidiaries. To Heritage's
knowledge, the properties currently owned or operated by Heritage or any of its
Subsidiaries (including, without limitation, soil, groundwater or surface water
on, under or adjacent to the properties, and buildings thereon) are not
contaminated with and do not otherwise contain any Hazardous Material other than
as permitted under applicable Environmental Law. Neither Heritage nor any of its
Subsidiaries has received any notice, demand letter, executive or administrative
order, directive, request or other communication (written or oral) for
information from any federal, state, local or foreign governmental entity or any
third party indicating that it may be in violation of, or liable under, any
Environmental Law. To Heritage's knowledge, there are no underground storage
tanks on, in or under any properties owned or operated by Heritage or any of its
Subsidiaries and no underground storage tanks have been closed or removed from
any properties owned or operated by Heritage or any of its Subsidiaries. To
Heritage's knowledge, during the period of Heritage's or any of its
Subsidiaries' ownership or operation of any of their respective current
properties, there has been no contamination by or release of Hazardous Materials
in, on, under or affecting such properties. To Heritage's knowledge, prior to
the period of Heritage's or any of its Subsidiaries' ownership or operation of
any of their respective current properties, there was no contamination by or
release of Hazardous Material in, on, under or affecting such properties.
(s) Loan Portfolio; Allowance; Asset Quality.
----------------------------------------
23
(i) With respect to each Loan (as defined in
Section 8.1) owned by Heritage or its Subsidiaries in whole or in part:
(A) to the knowledge of Heritage, the
note and the related security documents are each legal, valid and binding
obligations of the maker or obligor thereof, enforceable against such maker or
obligor in accordance with their terms;
(B) neither Heritage nor any of its
Subsidiaries, nor any prior holder of a loan, has modified the note or any of
the related security documents in any material respect or satisfied, canceled or
subordinated the note or any of the related security documents except as
otherwise disclosed by documents in the applicable loan file;
(C) Heritage or a Subsidiary of Heritage
is the sole holder of legal and beneficial title to each loan (or Heritage's or
its Subsidiary's applicable participation interest, as applicable), except as
otherwise referenced on the books and records of Heritage or a Subsidiary of
Heritage;
(D) the note and the related security
documents, copies of which are included in the loan files, are true and correct
copies of the documents they purport to be and have not been suspended, amended,
modified, canceled or otherwise changed except as otherwise disclosed by
documents in the applicable loan file;
(E) there is no pending or threatened
condemnation proceeding or similar proceeding affecting the property that serves
as security for a loan, except as otherwise referenced on the books and records
of Heritage;
(F) to the knowledge of Heritage, there
is no litigation or proceeding pending or threatened relating to the property
that serves as security for a loan that would have a Material Adverse Effect
upon the related loan; and
(G) with respect to a loan held in the
form of a participation, the participation documentation is legal, valid,
binding and enforceable in accordance with its terms.
(ii) The allowance for possible loan losses
reflected in Heritage's audited balance sheet at September 30, 1999 was, and the
allowance for possible losses shown on the balance sheets in Heritage's Reports
for periods ending after September 30, 1999, in the opinion of management, was
or will be adequate, as of the dates thereof, under GAAP.
(iii) Schedule 2.1(s) sets forth a true and
---------------
complete listing, as of December 31, 1999, of:
(A) all Loans that have been classified
(whether regulatory or internal) as "Special Mention," "Substandard,"
"Doubtful," "Loss" or words of similar import listed by category, including the
amounts thereof; and
24
(B) Loans (1) that are contractually
past due 90 days or more in the payment of principal and/or interest, (2) that
are on a non-accrual status, (3) where the interest rate terms have been reduced
and/or the maturity dates have been extended subsequent to the agreement under
which the Loan was originally created due to concerns regarding the borrower's
ability to pay in accordance with such initial terms, or (4) where a specific
reserve allocation exists in connection therewith, listed by category, including
the amounts thereof.
(iv) To the knowledge of Heritage, neither
Heritage nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to any Loan that is in violation
of any law, regulation or rule of any Governmental Entity. Any asset of Heritage
or any of its Subsidiaries that is classified as "Real Estate Owned" or words of
similar import that is included in any non-performing assets of Heritage or any
of its Subsidiaries is listed on Schedule 2.1(s) and is carried net of reserves
---------------
at the lower of cost or fair value, less estimated selling costs, based on
current independent appraisals or evaluations or current management appraisals
or evaluations; provided, however, that "current" shall mean within the past 12
months.
(t) Deposits. None of the deposits of Heritage or any
--------
of its Subsidiaries is a "brokered" deposit.
(u) Anti-takeover Provisions Inapplicable. Heritage and
-------------------------------------
its Subsidiaries have taken all actions required to exempt SouthBanc, the
Agreement, and the Merger from any provisions of an antitakeover nature
contained in their organizational documents, and the provisions of any federal
or state "anti-takeover," "fair price," "moratorium," "control share
acquisition" or similar laws or regulations.
(v) Insurance. In the opinion of management, Heritage and
---------
its Subsidiaries are presently insured for amounts deemed reasonable by
management against such risks as companies engaged in a similar business would,
in accordance with good business practice, customarily be insured. All of the
insurance policies and bonds maintained by Heritage and its Subsidiaries are in
full force and effect, Heritage and its Subsidiaries are not in default
thereunder and all material claims thereunder have been filed in due and timely
fashion.
(w) Investment Securities; Derivatives.
----------------------------------
(i) Except for restrictions that exist for
securities to be classified as "held to maturity," none of the investment
securities held by Heritage or any of its Subsidiaries, is subject to any
restriction (contractual or statutory) that would materially impair the ability
of the entity holding such investment freely to dispose of such investment at
any time.
(ii) Neither Heritage nor any of its Subsidiaries
is a party to or has agreed to enter into an exchange-traded or over-the-counter
equity, interest rate, foreign exchange or other swap, forward, future, option,
cap, floor or collar or any other contract that is a derivative contract
(including various combinations thereof) or owns securities that (A) are
referred to generically as "structured notes," "high risk mortgage derivatives,"
"capped floating rate notes" or "capped floating rate mortgage derivatives" or
(B) are likely to have changes in
25
value as a result of interest or exchange rate changes that significantly exceed
normal changes in value attributable to interest or exchange rate changes.
(x) Indemnification. Except as provided in the
---------------
certificate of incorporation or bylaws of Heritage and the similar
organizational documents of its Subsidiaries, neither Heritage nor any
Subsidiary is a party to any agreement that provides for the indemnification of
any of its present or former directors, officers or employees, or other persons
who serve or served as a director, officer or employee of another corporation,
partnership or other enterprise at the request of Heritage and, to the knowledge
of Heritage, there are no claims for which any such person would be entitled to
indemnification under the certificate of incorporation or bylaws of Heritage or
the similar organizational documents of any of its Subsidiaries, under any
applicable law or regulation or under any indemnification agreement.
(y) Books and Records. The books and records of
-----------------
Heritage and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis have been, and are being,
maintained in accordance with applicable legal and accounting requirements and
reflect in all material respects the substance of events and transactions that
should be included therein.
(z) Corporate Documents. Heritage has previously
-------------------
furnished or made available to SouthBanc a complete and correct copy of the
certificate of incorporation, bylaws and similar organizational documents of
Heritage and each of Heritage's Subsidiaries, as in effect as of the date of
this Agreement. Neither Heritage nor any of Heritage's Subsidiaries is in
violation of its certificate of incorporation, bylaws or similar organizational
documents. The minute books of Heritage and each of Heritage's Subsidiaries
constitute a complete and correct record of all actions taken by their
respective boards of directors (and each committee thereof) and their
stockholders.
(aa) Registration Statement. The information regarding
----------------------
Heritage and its Subsidiaries to be supplied by Heritage for inclusion in the
Registration Statement (as defined in Section 4.8) will not, at the time the
Registration Statement becomes effective, contain any untrue statement of a
material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein
or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the
circumstances under which they are made, not misleading.
(bb) Community Reinvestment Act Compliance. Heritage
-------------------------------------
Federal is in material compliance with the applicable provisions of the CRA (as
defined in Section 8.1) and the regulations promulgated thereunder, and Heritage
Federal currently has a CRA rating of satisfactory or better. To the knowledge
of Heritage, there is no fact or circumstance or set of facts or circumstances
that would cause Heritage Federal to fail to comply with such provisions or
cause the CRA rating of Heritage Federal to fall below satisfactory.
(cc) Undisclosed Liabilities. As of the date hereof,
-----------------------
Heritage and its Subsidiaries have not incurred any debt, liability or
obligation of any nature whatsoever (whether accrued, contingent, absolute or
otherwise and whether due or to become due) except for (i) liabilities reflected
on or reserved against in the consolidated financial statements of Heritage as
26
of September 30, 1999, (ii) liabilities incurred since September 30, 1999 in the
ordinary course of business consistent with past practice that, either alone or
when combined with all similar liabilities, have not had, and would not
reasonably be expected to have, a Material Adverse Effect on Heritage and (iii)
liabilities incurred for legal, accounting, financial advising fees and out-of-
pocket expenses in connection with the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement.
(dd) Year 2000 Matters. Heritage and its Subsidiaries
-----------------
have not experienced any data processing or other computer malfunctions related
to processing date information on and after January 1, 2000 and none of the
third party service providers or customers of Heritage or its Subsidiaries have
reported year 2000 data processing problems to Heritage that, individually or in
the aggregate, would have a Material Adverse Effect on Heritage.
(ee) Tax Treatment of the Merger. Heritage has no
---------------------------
knowledge of any fact or circumstance relating to it that would prevent the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement from qualifying as a reorganization
under the IRC.
Section 2.2. Representations and Warranties of SouthBanc.
-------------------------------------------
SouthBanc represents and warrants to Heritage that:
(a) Organization.
------------
(i) SouthBanc is a corporation duly organized,
validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware
and is registered as a savings and loan holding company.
(ii) Perpetual Bank, a Federal Savings Bank
("Perpetual Bank") is a federally chartered savings bank duly organized and
validly existing under the laws of the United States of America. The deposits of
Perpetual Bank are insured by the Savings Association Insurance Fund of FDIC to
the extent provided in the FDIA.
(iii) SouthBanc and Perpetual Bank each has all
requisite corporate power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties
and to conduct the business currently being conducted by it. SouthBanc and
Perpetual Bank are each duly qualified or licensed as a foreign corporation to
transact business and are in good standing in each jurisdiction in which the
character of the properties owned or leased by it or the nature of the business
conducted by it makes such qualification or licensing necessary, except where
the failure to be so qualified or licensed and in good standing would not have a
Material Adverse Effect on SouthBanc.
(b) Subsidiaries.
------------
(i) Schedule 2.2(b) sets forth (A) the name,
---------------
percentage ownership and number of shares of stock owned or controlled by
SouthBanc of each Subsidiary; and (B) the jurisdiction of incorporation,
capitalization and ownership of each Subsidiary. All such Subsidiaries and
ownership interests are in compliance with all applicable laws, rules and
27
regulations relating to investments in equity ownership interests by savings and
loan holding companies or federally chartered savings associations.
(ii) SouthBanc owns of record and beneficially
all the capital stock of each of its Subsidiaries free and clear of any claims,
liens, encumbrances or restrictions and there are no agreements or
understandings with respect to the voting or disposition of any such shares. The
outstanding shares of capital stock of each Subsidiary have been validly
authorized and are validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable. Each of
SouthBanc's Subsidiaries is a corporation duly organized and validly existing
under the laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation, has all requisite corporate
power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and to conduct the
business currently being conducted by it and is duly qualified or licensed as a
foreign corporation to transact business and is in good standing in each
jurisdiction in which the character of the properties owned or leased by it or
the nature of the business conducted by it makes such qualification or licensing
necessary, except where the failure to be so qualified or licensed and in good
standing would not have a Material Adverse Effect on SouthBanc.
(iii) None of SouthBanc's Subsidiaries holds
shares of its capital stock in its treasury, and there are not, and on the
Closing Date there will not be, outstanding (A) any options, warrants or other
rights with respect to the capital stock of any Subsidiary, (B) any securities
convertible into or exchangeable for shares of such capital stock or any other
debt or equity security of any Subsidiary or (C) any other commitments of any
kind for the issuance of additional shares of capital stock or other debt or
equity security of any Subsidiary or options, warrants or other rights with
respect to such securities.
(iv) No Subsidiary of SouthBanc other than
Perpetual Bank is an "insured depository institution" as defined in the FDIA and
the applicable regulations thereunder.
(c) Capital Structure.
-----------------
(i) The authorized capital stock of SouthBanc
consists of:
(A) 7,500,000 shares of SouthBanc Common
Stock; and
(B) 250,000 of preferred stock, par
value $.01 per share.
(ii) As of the date of this Agreement:
(A) 3,089,113 shares of SouthBanc Common
Stock are issued and outstanding,
all of which are validly issued,
fully paid and nonassessable;
(B) no shares of SouthBanc preferred
stock are issued and outstanding or
held in SouthBanc's treasury;
28
(C) 388,701 shares of SouthBanc Common
Stock are reserved for issuance
pursuant to outstanding grants or
awards under SouthBanc's stock
option plans;
(D) 250,000 shares of SouthBanc Common
Stock are reserved for issuance
pursuant to SouthBanc's Dividend
Reinvestment Plan; and
(E) 1,232,917 shares of SouthBanc Common
Stock are held by SouthBanc in its
treasury or by its Subsidiaries.
(iii) No bonds, debentures, notes or other
indebtedness having the right to vote on any matters on which stockholders of
SouthBanc may vote are issued or outstanding.
(iv) Except as set forth in this Section 2.2(c),
as of the date of this Agreement, (A) no shares of capital stock or other voting
securities of SouthBanc are issued, reserved for issuance or outstanding and (B)
neither SouthBanc nor any of its Subsidiaries has or is bound by any outstanding
subscriptions, options, warrants, calls, rights, convertible securities,
commitments or agreements of any character obligating SouthBanc or any of its
Subsidiaries to issue, deliver or sell, or cause to be issued, delivered or
sold, any additional shares of capital stock of SouthBanc or obligating
SouthBanc or any of its Subsidiaries to grant, extend or enter into any such
option, warrant, call, right, convertible security, commitment or agreement. As
of the date hereof, there are no outstanding contractual obligations of
SouthBanc or any of its Subsidiaries to repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire
any shares of capital stock of SouthBanc or any of its Subsidiaries.
(v) The shares of SouthBanc Common Stock to be
issued in exchange for shares of Heritage Common Stock upon consummation of the
Merger in accordance with this Agreement have been duly authorized and, when
issued in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, will be validly issued,
fully paid and nonassessable and subject to no preemptive rights.
(d) Authority. SouthBanc has all requisite corporate
---------
power and authority to enter into this Agreement, to perform its obligations
hereunder and to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. The
execution and delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement have been duly authorized by all
necessary corporate actions on the part of SouthBanc's Board of Directors, and
no other corporate proceedings on the part of SouthBanc are necessary to
authorize this Agreement or to consummate the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement other than the approval and adoption of this Agreement by the
affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of
SouthBanc Common Stock. This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and
delivered by SouthBanc and constitutes a valid and binding obligation of
SouthBanc, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to applicable
bankruptcy, insolvency and similar laws affecting creditors' rights and remedies
generally and subject, as to enforceability, to general principles of equity,
whether applied in a court of law or a court of equity.
29
(e) Fairness Opinion. SouthBanc has received the
----------------
opinion of Sandler X'Xxxxx & Partners, L.P. to the effect that, as of the date
hereof, the Merger Consideration is fair, from a financial point of view, to
SouthBanc's stockholders.
(f) No Violations; Consents.
-----------------------
(i) The execution, delivery and performance of
this Agreement by SouthBanc do not, and the consummation of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement will not, (A) assuming that the consents and
approvals referred to in Section 2.2(f)(ii) are obtained, violate any law, rule
or regulation or any judgment, decree, order, governmental permit or license to
which SouthBanc or any of its Subsidiaries (or any of their respective
properties) is subject, (B) violate the certificate of incorporation or bylaws
of SouthBanc or the similar organizational documents of any of its Subsidiaries
or (C) constitute a breach or violation of, or a default under (or an event
which, with due notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute a default
under), or result in the termination of, accelerate the performance required by,
or result in the creation of any lien, pledge, security interest, charge or
other encumbrance upon any of the properties or assets of SouthBanc or any of
its Subsidiaries under, any of the terms, conditions or provisions of any note,
bond, indenture, deed of trust, loan agreement or other agreement, instrument or
obligation to which SouthBanc or any of its Subsidiaries is a party, or to which
any of their respective properties or assets may be subject, except, in the case
of (C), for any such breaches, violations or defaults that would not,
individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect on SouthBanc.
(ii) Except for (A) the filing of an application
with the OTS under the HOLA and approval of such application, (B) the filing of
a certificate of merger with the Delaware Secretary of State pursuant to
Delaware Law, (C) the registration under the Securities Act of the shares of
SouthBanc Common Stock to be issued in exchange for shares of Heritage Common
Stock, (D) the registration or qualification of the shares of SouthBanc Common
Stock to be issued in exchange for shares of Heritage Common Stock under state
securities or "blue sky" laws, and (E) such filings, authorizations or approvals
as may be set forth in Schedule 2.2(f), no consents or approvals of or filings
---------------
or registrations with any Governmental Entity or with any third party are
necessary in connection with the execution and delivery by SouthBanc of this
Agreement or the consummation by SouthBanc of the Merger and the other
transactions contemplated by this Agreement. As of the date hereof, SouthBanc
knows of no reason pertaining to SouthBanc why any of the approvals referred to
in this Section 2.2(f) should not be obtained without the imposition of any
material condition or restriction described in Section 5.1(b).
(g) Reports and Financial Statements.
--------------------------------
(i) SouthBanc and each of its Subsidiaries have
each timely filed all material reports, registrations and statements, together
with any amendments required to be made with respect thereto, that they were
required to file since December 31, 1997 with (A) the FDIC, (B) the OTS, (C) the
NASD and (D) the SEC (collectively, "SouthBanc's Reports") and have paid all
fees and assessments due and payable in connection therewith. As of their
respective
30
dates, none of SouthBanc's Reports contained any untrue statement of a material
fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated therein or
necessary to make the statements made therein, in light of the circumstances
under which they were made, not misleading. All of SouthBanc's Reports filed
with the SEC complied in all material respects with the applicable requirements
of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated
thereunder.
(ii) Each of the financial statements of
SouthBanc included in SouthBanc's Reports filed with the SEC complied as to
form, as of their respective dates of filing with the SEC, in all material
respects with applicable accounting requirements and with the published rules
and regulations of the SEC with respect thereto. The financial statements
included in SouthBanc's Reports were prepared from the books and records of
SouthBanc and its Subsidiaries, fairly present the consolidated financial
position of SouthBanc and its Subsidiaries in each case at and as of the dates
indicated and the consolidated results of operations, retained earnings and cash
flows of SouthBanc and its Subsidiaries for the periods indicated, and, except
as otherwise set forth in the notes thereto, were prepared in accordance with
GAAP consistently applied throughout the periods covered thereby; provided,
however, that the unaudited financial statements for interim periods are subject
to normal year-end adjustments (which will not be material individually or in
the aggregate) and lack a statement of cash flows and footnotes.
(h) Absence of Certain Changes or Events. Except as
------------------------------------
disclosed in SouthBanc's Reports filed with the SEC prior to the date of this
Agreement, since September 30, 1999, (i) SouthBanc and its Subsidiaries have not
incurred any liability, except in the ordinary course of their business
consistent with past practice, (ii) SouthBanc and its Subsidiaries have
conducted their respective businesses only in the ordinary and usual course of
such businesses consistent with their past practices, (iii) there has not been
any Material Adverse Effect with respect to SouthBanc, (iv) there has been no
increase in the salary, compensation, pension or other benefits payable or to
become payable by SouthBanc or any of its Subsidiaries to any of their
respective directors, officers or employees, other than in conformity with the
policies and practices of such entity in the usual and ordinary course of its
business, (v) neither SouthBanc nor any of its Subsidiaries has paid or made any
accrual or arrangement for payment of bonuses or special compensation of any
kind or any severance or termination pay to any of their directors, officers or
employees, and (vi) there has been no change in any accounting principles,
practices or methods of SouthBanc or any of its Subsidiaries other than as
required by GAAP.
(i) Absence of Claims. There are no suits, actions or
-----------------
proceedings pending or, to the knowledge of SouthBanc, threatened against or
affecting SouthBanc or any of its Subsidiaries or any property or asset of
SouthBanc or any of its Subsidiaries which, individually or in the aggregate,
would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on SouthBanc, nor
are there any judgments, decrees, injunctions, rules or orders of any
Governmental Entity or arbitrator outstanding against SouthBanc which,
individually or in the aggregate, would reasonably be expected to have a
Material Adverse Effect on SouthBanc.
(j) Absence of Regulatory Actions. Since December 31,
-----------------------------
1997, neither SouthBanc nor any of its Subsidiaries has been a party to any
cease and desist order, written agreement or memorandum of understanding with,
or any commitment letter or similar
31
undertaking to, or has been subject to any action, proceeding, order or
directive by, or has been a recipient of any extraordinary supervisory letter
from Government Regulator, or has adopted any board resolutions at the request
of any Government Regulator, or has been advised by any Government Regulator
that it is contemplating issuing or requesting (or is considering the
appropriateness of issuing or requesting) any such action, proceeding, order,
directive, written agreement, memorandum of understanding, extraordinary
supervisory letter, commitment letter, board resolutions or similar undertaking.
(k) Taxes. All federal, state, local and foreign tax
-----
returns required to be filed by or on behalf of SouthBanc or any of its
Subsidiaries have been timely filed or requests for extensions have been timely
filed and any such extension shall have been granted and not have expired, and
all such filed returns are complete and accurate in all material respects. All
taxes shown on such returns, all taxes required to be shown on returns for which
extensions have been granted and all other taxes required to be paid by
SouthBanc or any of its Subsidiaries have been paid in full or adequate
provision has been made for any such taxes on SouthBanc's balance sheet (in
accordance with GAAP). As of the date of this Agreement, there is no audit
examination, deficiency assessment, tax investigation or refund litigation with
respect to any taxes of SouthBanc or any of its Subsidiaries, and no claim has
been made by any authority in a jurisdiction where SouthBanc or any of its
Subsidiaries do not file tax returns that SouthBanc or any such Subsidiary is
subject to taxation in that jurisdiction. All taxes, interest, additions and
penalties due with respect to completed and settled examinations or concluded
litigation relating to SouthBanc or any of its Subsidiaries have been paid in
full or adequate provision has been made for any such taxes on SouthBanc's
balance sheet (in accordance with GAAP). SouthBanc and its Subsidiaries have not
executed an extension or waiver of any statute of limitations on the assessment
or collection of any material tax due that is currently in effect. SouthBanc and
each of its Subsidiaries has withheld and paid all taxes required to have been
withheld and paid in connection with amounts paid or owing to any employee,
independent contractor, creditor, stockholder or other third party, and
SouthBanc and each of its Subsidiaries has timely complied with all applicable
information reporting requirements under Part III, Subchapter A of Chapter 61 of
the IRC and similar applicable state and local information reporting
requirements.
(l) Agreements.
----------
(i) SouthBanc and its Subsidiaries are not bound
by any material contract (as defined in Item 601(b)(10) of Regulation S-K
promulgated by the SEC), to be performed after the date hereof that has not been
filed with or incorporated by reference in SouthBanc's Reports.
(ii) Schedule 2.2(l) lists any contract,
---------------
arrangement, commitment or understanding (whether written or oral) to which
SouthBanc or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or is bound:
(A) with any executive officer or other
key employee of SouthBanc or any of its Subsidiaries the benefits of which are
contingent, or the terms of which
32
are materially altered, upon the occurrence of a transaction involving SouthBanc
or any of its Subsidiaries of the nature contemplated by this Agreement;
(B) with respect to the employment of
any directors, officers employees or consultants;
(C) (including any stock option plan,
phantom stock or stock appreciation rights plan, restricted stock plan or stock
purchase plan) any of the benefits of which will be increased, or the vesting or
payment of the benefits of which will be accelerated, by the occurrence of any
of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the value of any of the
benefits of which will be calculated on the basis of any of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement;
(D) containing covenants that limit the
ability of SouthBanc or any of its Subsidiaries to compete in any line of
business or with any person, or that involve any restriction on the geographic
area in which, or method by which, SouthBanc (including any successor thereof)
or any of its Subsidiaries may carry on its business (other than as may be
required by law or any regulatory agency);
(E) pursuant to which SouthBanc or any
of its Subsidiaries may become obligated to invest in or contribute capital to
any entity;
(F) not fully disclosed in SouthBanc's
Reports that relates to borrowings of money (or guarantees thereof) by SouthBanc
or any of its Subsidiaries, other than in the ordinary course of business; or
(G) which is a lease or license with
respect to any property, real or personal, whether as landlord, tenant, licensor
or licensee, involving a liability or obligation as obligor in excess of $25,000
on an annual basis.
To the knowledge of SouthBanc, each of the agreements and other documents
referenced in Schedule 2.2(l) is a valid, binding and enforceable obligation of
---------------
the parties sought to be bound thereby, subject to applicable bankruptcy,
insolvency and similar laws affecting creditors' rights and remedies generally
and subject, as to enforceability, to general principles of equity, whether
applied in a court of law or a court of equity. SouthBanc has previously
delivered to Heritage true and complete copies of each agreement and other
documents referenced in Schedule 2.2(l).
---------------
(iii) Neither SouthBanc nor any of its
Subsidiaries is in default under (and no event has occurred which, with due
notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute a default under) or is in
violation of any provision of any note, bond, indenture, mortgage, deed of
trust, loan agreement, lease or other agreement to which it is a party or by
which it is bound or to which any of its respective properties or assets is
subject and, to the knowledge of SouthBanc, no other party to any such agreement
(excluding any loan or extension of credit made by SouthBanc or any of its
Subsidiaries) is in default in any respect thereunder, except for such defaults
or
33
violations that would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material
Adverse Effect on SouthBanc.
(iv) SouthBanc and each of its Subsidiaries owns
or possesses valid and binding licenses and other rights to use without payment
all patents, copyrights, trade secrets, trade names, service marks and
trademarks used in its businesses, and neither SouthBanc nor any of its
Subsidiaries has received any notice of conflict with respect thereto that
asserts the right of others. Each of SouthBanc and its Subsidiaries has
performed all the obligations required to be performed by it and are not in
default under any contact, agreement, arrangement or commitment relating to any
of the foregoing.
(m) Labor Matters. SouthBanc and its Subsidiaries are
-------------
in material compliance with all applicable laws respecting employment, retention
of independent contractors and employment practices, terms and conditions of
employment and wages and hours. Neither SouthBanc nor any of its Subsidiaries is
or has ever been a party to, or is or has ever been bound by, any collective
bargaining agreement, contract or other agreement or understanding with a labor
union or labor organization with respect to its employees, nor is SouthBanc or
any of its Subsidiaries the subject of any proceeding asserting that it has
committed an unfair labor practice or seeking to compel it or any such
Subsidiary to bargain with any labor organization as to wages and conditions of
employment nor has any such proceeding been threatened, nor is there any strike,
other labor dispute or organizational effort involving SouthBanc or any of its
Subsidiaries pending or threatened.
(n) Employee Benefit Plans.
----------------------
(i) Schedule 2.2(n) contains a complete and
---------------
accurate list of all pension, retirement, stock option, stock purchase, stock
ownership, savings, stock appreciation right, profit sharing, deferred
compensation, consulting, bonus, group insurance, severance and other benefit
plans, contracts, agreements and arrangements, including, but not limited to,
"employee benefit plans," as defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA, incentive and
welfare policies, contracts, plans and arrangements and all trust agreements
related thereto with respect to any present or former directors, officers or
other employees of SouthBanc or any of its Subsidiaries (hereinafter referred to
collectively as the "SouthBanc Employee Plans"). SouthBanc has previously
delivered or made available to Heritage true and complete copies of each
agreement, plan and other agreements referenced in Schedule 2.2(n). There has
---------------
been no announcement or commitment by SouthBanc or any of its Subsidiaries to
create an additional SouthBanc Employee Plan, or to amend any SouthBanc Employee
Plan, except for amendments required by applicable law which do not materially
increase the cost of such SouthBanc Employee Plan.
(ii) There is no pending or threatened
litigation, administrative action or proceeding relating to any SouthBanc
Employee Plan. All of the SouthBanc Employee Plans comply in all material
respects with all applicable requirements of ERISA, the IRC and other applicable
laws. There has occurred no "prohibited transaction" (as defined in Section 406
of ERISA or Section 4975 of the IRC) with respect to the SouthBanc Employee
Plans which is
34
likely to result in the imposition of any penalties or taxes upon SouthBanc or
any of its Subsidiaries under Section 502(i) of ERISA or Section 4975 of the
IRC.
(iii) No liability to the Pension Benefit Guarantee Corporation
has been or is expected by SouthBanc or any of its Subsidiaries to be incurred
with respect to any SouthBanc Employee Plan which is subject to Title IV of
ERISA ("SouthBanc Pension Plan"), or with respect to any "single-employer plan"
(as defined in Section 4001(a) of ERISA) currently or formerly maintained by
SouthBanc or any ERISA Affiliate. No SouthBanc Pension Plan had an "accumulated
funding deficiency" (as defined in Section 302 of ERISA), whether or not waived,
as of the last day of the end of the most recent plan year ending prior to the
date hereof; the fair market value of the assets of each SouthBanc Pension Plan
exceeds the present value of the "benefit liabilities" (as defined in Section
4001(a)(16) of ERISA) under such SouthBanc Pension Plan as of the end of the
most recent plan year with respect to the respective SouthBanc Pension Plan
ending prior to the date hereof, calculated on the basis of the actuarial
assumptions used in the most recent actuarial valuation for such SouthBanc
Pension Plan as of the date hereof; and no notice of a "reportable event" (as
defined in Section 4043 of ERISA) for which the 30-day reporting requirement has
not been waived has been required to be filed for any SouthBanc Pension Plan
within the 12-month period ending on the date hereof. Neither SouthBanc nor any
of its Subsidiaries has provided, or is required to provide, security to any
SouthBanc Pension Plan or to any single-employer plan of an ERISA Affiliate
pursuant to Section 401(a)(29) of the IRC. Neither SouthBanc, its Subsidiaries,
nor any ERISA Affiliate has contributed to any "multiemployer plan," as defined
in Section 3(37) of ERISA, on or after September 26, 1980.
(iv) Each SouthBanc Employee Plan that is an "employee pension
benefit plan" (as defined in Section 3(2) of ERISA) and which is intended to be
qualified under Section 401(a) of the IRC (a "SouthBanc Qualified Plan") has
received a favorable determination letter from the IRS, and SouthBanc and its
Subsidiaries are not aware of any circumstances likely to result in revocation
of any such favorable determination letter. Each SouthBanc Qualified Plan that
is an "employee stock ownership plan" (as defined in Section 4975(e)(7) of the
IRC) has satisfied all of the applicable requirements of Sections 409 and
4975(e)(7) of the IRC and the regulations thereunder in all respects and any
assets of any such SouthBanc Qualified Plan that, as of the end of the plan
year, are not allocated to participants" individual accounts are pledged as
security for, and may be applied to satisfy, any securities acquisition
indebtedness.
(v) SouthBanc and its Subsidiaries do not have any obligations
for post-retirement or post-employment benefits under any SouthBanc Employee
Plan that cannot be amended or terminated upon 60 days" notice or less without
incurring any liability thereunder, except for coverage required by Part 6 of
Title I of ERISA or Section 4980B of the IRC, or similar state laws, the cost of
which is borne by the insured individuals. With respect to SouthBanc or any of
its Subsidiaries, for the SouthBanc Employee Plans listed in Schedule 2.2(n),
---------------
the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby will not result in any payment or series of
payments by SouthBanc or any
35
of its Subsidiaries to any person which is an "excess parachute payment" (as
defined in Section 280G of the IRC) or is a nondeductible payment under Section
162(m) of the IRC, increase or secure (by way of a trust or other vehicle) any
benefits payable under any SouthBanc Employee Plan or accelerate the time of
payment or vesting of any such benefit.
(o) Title to Assets. SouthBanc and each of its Subsidiaries has good
---------------
and insurable title to its properties and assets (including any intellectual
property asset such as any trademark, service xxxx, trade name or copyright) and
property acquired in a judicial foreclosure proceeding or by way of a deed in
lieu of foreclosure or similar transfer whether real or personal, tangible or
intangible, in each case free and clear of any liens, security interests,
encumbrances, mortgages, pledges, restrictions, charges or rights or interests
of others, except pledges to secure deposits and other liens incurred in the
ordinary course of business. Each lease pursuant to which SouthBanc or any of
its Subsidiaries is lessee or lessor is valid and in full force and effect and
neither SouthBanc nor any of its Subsidiaries, nor any other party to any such
lease is in default or in violation of any provisions of any such lease. All
material tangible properties of SouthBanc and each of its Subsidiaries are in a
good state of maintenance and repair, conform with all applicable ordinances,
regulations and zoning laws and are considered by SouthBanc to be adequate for
the current business of SouthBanc and its Subsidiaries. To the knowledge of
SouthBanc, none of the buildings, structures or other improvements located on
its real property encroaches upon or over any adjoining parcel or real estate or
any easement or right-of-way.
(p) Compliance with Laws. SouthBanc and each of its Subsidiaries has
--------------------
all permits, licenses, certificates of authority, orders and approvals of, and
has made all filings, applications and registrations with, all Governmental
Entities that are required in order to permit it to carry on its business as it
is presently conducted; all such permits, licenses, certificates of authority,
orders and approvals are in full force and effect, and no suspension or
cancellation of any of them is threatened. Neither SouthBanc nor any of its
Subsidiaries is in violation of, and SouthBanc and its Subsidiaries have not
been given notice or been charged with any violation of, any law, ordinance,
regulation, order, writ, rule, decree or condition to approval of any
Governmental Entity which, individually or in the aggregate, would reasonably be
expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on SouthBanc.
(q) Fees. Other than financial advisory services performed for
----
SouthBanc by RP Financial, LC. pursuant to an agreement dated January 11, 2000
and Sandler X'Xxxxx & Partners, L.P. pursuant to an agreement dated February 2,
2000, true and complete copies of which have been previously delivered to
Heritage, neither SouthBanc nor any of its Subsidiaries, nor any of their
respective officers, directors, employees or agents, has employed any broker or
finder or incurred any liability for any financial advisory fees, brokerage
fees, commissions or finder's fees, and no broker or finder has acted directly
or indirectly for SouthBanc or any of its Subsidiaries in connection with this
Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby.
(r) Environmental Matters. There is no suit, claim, action, demand,
---------------------
executive or administrative order, directive, investigation or proceeding
pending or, to the knowledge of SouthBanc, threatened before any court,
governmental agency or board or other forum against SouthBanc or any of its
Subsidiaries for alleged noncompliance (including by any predecessor)
36
with, or liability under, any Environmental Law or relating to the presence of
or release into the environment of any Hazardous Material, whether or not
occurring at or on a site owned, leased or operated by it or any of its
Subsidiaries. To SouthBanc's knowledge, the properties currently owned or
operated by SouthBanc or any of its Subsidiaries (including, without limitation,
soil, groundwater or surface water on, under or adjacent to the properties, and
buildings thereon) are not contaminated with and do not otherwise contain any
Hazardous Material other than as permitted under applicable Environmental Law.
Neither SouthBanc nor any of its Subsidiaries has received any notice, demand
letter, executive or administrative order, directive, request or other
communication (written or oral) for information from any federal, state, local
or foreign governmental entity or any third party indicating that it may be in
violation of, or liable under, any Environmental Law. To SouthBanc's knowledge,
there are no underground storage tanks on, in or under any properties owned or
operated by SouthBanc or any of its Subsidiaries and no underground storage
tanks have been closed or removed from any properties owned or operated by
SouthBanc or any of its Subsidiaries. To SouthBanc's knowledge, during the
period of SouthBanc's or any of its Subsidiaries" ownership or operation of any
of their respective current properties, there has been no contamination by or
release of Hazardous Materials in, on, under or affecting such properties. To
SouthBanc's knowledge, prior to the period of SouthBanc's or any of its
Subsidiaries" ownership or operation of any of their respective current
properties, there was no contamination by or release of Hazardous Material in,
on, under or affecting such properties.
(s) Loan Portfolio; Allowance; Asset Quality.
----------------------------------------
(i) With respect to each Loan owned by SouthBanc or its
Subsidiaries in whole or in part:
(A) to the knowledge of SouthBanc, the note and the related
security documents are each legal, valid and binding obligations of the maker or
obligor thereof, enforceable against such maker or obligor in accordance with
their terms;
(B) neither SouthBanc nor any of its Subsidiaries, nor any
prior holder of a loan, has modified the note or any of the related security
documents in any material respect or satisfied, canceled or subordinated the
note or any of the related security documents except as otherwise disclosed by
documents in the applicable loan file;
(C) SouthBanc or a Subsidiary of SouthBanc is the sole
holder of legal and beneficial title to each loan (or SouthBanc's or its
Subsidiary's applicable participation interest, as applicable), except as
otherwise referenced on the books and records of SouthBanc or a Subsidiary of
SouthBanc;
(D) the note and the related security documents, copies of
which are included in the loan files, are true and correct copies of the
documents they purport to be and have not been suspended, amended, modified,
canceled or otherwise changed except as otherwise disclosed by documents in the
applicable loan file;
37
(E) there is no pending or threatened condemnation
proceeding or similar proceeding affecting the property that serves as security
for a loan, except as otherwise referenced on the books and records of
SouthBanc;
(F) to the knowledge of SouthBanc, there is no litigation
or proceeding pending or threatened relating to the property that serves as
security for a loan that would have a Material Adverse Effect upon the related
loan; and
(G) with respect to a loan held in the form of a
participation, the participation documentation is legal, valid, binding and
enforceable in accordance with its terms.
(ii) The allowance for possible loan losses reflected in
SouthBanc's audited balance sheet at September 30, 1999 was, and the allowance
for possible losses shown on the balance sheets in SouthBanc's Reports for
periods ending after September 30, 1999, in the opinion of management, was or
will be adequate, as of the dates thereof, under GAAP.
(iii) Schedule 2.2(s) sets forth a true and complete listing, as
---------------
of December 31, 1999, of:
(A) all Loans that have been classified (whether
regulatory or internal) as "Special Mention," "Substandard," "Doubtful," "Loss"
or words of similar import listed by category, including the amounts thereof;
and
(B) Loans (1) that are contractually past due 90 days or
more in the payment of principal and/or interest, (2) that are on a non-accrual
status, (3) where the interest rate terms have been reduced and/or the maturity
dates have been extended subsequent to the agreement under which the Loan was
originally created due to concerns regarding the borrower's ability to pay in
accordance with such initial terms, or (4) where a specific reserve allocation
exists in connection therewith, listed by category, including the amounts
thereof.
(iv) To the knowledge of SouthBanc, neither SouthBanc nor any of
its Subsidiaries is a party to any Loan that is in violation of any law,
regulation or rule of any Governmental Entity. Any asset of SouthBanc or any of
its Subsidiaries that is classified as "Real Estate Owned" or words of similar
import that is included in any non-performing assets of SouthBanc or any of its
Subsidiaries is listed on Schedule 2.2(s) and is carried net of reserves at the
---------------
lower of cost or fair value, less estimated selling costs, based on current
independent appraisals or evaluations or current management appraisals or
evaluations; provided, however, that "current" shall mean within the past 12
months.
(t) Deposits. None of the deposits of SouthBanc or any of its
--------
Subsidiaries is a "brokered" deposit.
(u) Anti-takeover Provisions Inapplicable. SouthBanc and its
-------------------------------------
Subsidiaries have taken all actions required to exempt Heritage, the Agreement,
and the Merger from any provisions of an antitakeover nature contained in their
organizational documents, and the
38
provisions of any federal or state "anti-takeover," "fair price," "moratorium,"
"control share acquisition" or similar laws or regulations.
(v) Insurance. In the opinion of management, SouthBanc and its
---------
Subsidiaries are presently insured for amounts deemed reasonable by management
against such risks as companies engaged in a similar business would, in
accordance with good business practice, customarily be insured. All of the
insurance policies and bonds maintained by SouthBanc and its Subsidiaries are in
full force and effect, SouthBanc and its Subsidiaries are not in default
thereunder and all material claims thereunder have been filed in due and timely
fashion.
(w) Investment Securities; Derivatives.
----------------------------------
(i) Except for restrictions that exist for securities to be
classified as "held to maturity," none of the investment securities held by
SouthBanc or any of its Subsidiaries, is subject to any restriction (contractual
or statutory) that would materially impair the ability of the entity holding
such investment freely to dispose of such investment at any time.
(ii) Neither SouthBanc nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to
or has agreed to enter into an exchange-traded or over-the-counter equity,
interest rate, foreign exchange or other swap, forward, future, option, cap,
floor or collar or any other contract that is a derivative contract (including
various combinations thereof) or owns securities that (A) are referred to
generically as "structured notes," "high risk mortgage derivatives," "capped
floating rate notes" or "capped floating rate mortgage derivatives" or (B) are
likely to have changes in value as a result of interest or exchange rate changes
that significantly exceed normal changes in value attributable to interest or
exchange rate changes.
(x) Indemnification. Except as provided in the certificate of
---------------
incorporation or bylaws of SouthBanc and the similar organizational documents of
its Subsidiaries, neither SouthBanc nor any Subsidiary is a party to any
agreement that provides for the indemnification of any of its present or former
directors, officers or employees or other persons who serve or served as a
director, officer or employee of another corporation, partnership or other
enterprise at the request of SouthBanc and, to the knowledge of SouthBanc, there
are no claims for which any such person would be entitled to indemnification
under the certificate of incorporation or bylaws of SouthBanc or the similar
organizational documents of any of its Subsidiaries, under any applicable law or
regulation or under any indemnification agreement.
(y) Books and Records. The books and records of SouthBanc and its
-----------------
Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis have been, and are being, maintained in
accordance with applicable legal and accounting requirements and reflect in all
material respects the substance of events and transactions that should be
included therein.
(z) Corporate Documents. SouthBanc has previously furnished or made
-------------------
available to Heritage a complete and correct copy of the certificate of
incorporation, bylaws and similar organizational documents of SouthBanc and each
of SouthBanc's Subsidiaries, as in effect as of the date of this Agreement.
Neither SouthBanc nor any of SouthBanc's Subsidiaries
39
is in violation of its certificate of incorporation, bylaws or similar
organizational documents. The minute books of SouthBanc and each of SouthBanc's
Subsidiaries constitute a complete and correct record of all actions taken by
their respective boards of directors (and each committee thereof) and their
stockholders.
(aa) Registration Statement. The information regarding SouthBanc and
----------------------
its Subsidiaries to be supplied by SouthBanc for inclusion in the Registration
Statement will not, at the time the Registration Statement becomes effective,
contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material
fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements
therein, in light of the circumstances under which they are made, not
misleading.
(bb) Community Reinvestment Act Compliance. Perpetual Bank is in
-------------------------------------
material compliance with the applicable provisions of the CRA and the
regulations promulgated thereunder, and Perpetual Bank currently has a CRA
rating of satisfactory or better. To the knowledge of SouthBanc, there is no
fact or circumstance or set of facts or circumstances that would cause Perpetual
Bank to fail to comply with such provisions or cause the CRA rating of Perpetual
Bank to fall below satisfactory.
(cc) Undisclosed Liabilities. As of the date hereof, SouthBanc and its
-----------------------
Subsidiaries have not incurred any debt, liability or obligation of any nature
whatsoever (whether accrued, contingent, absolute or otherwise and whether due
or to become due) except for (i) liabilities reflected on or reserved against in
the consolidated financial statements of SouthBanc as of September 30, 1999,
(ii) liabilities incurred since September 30, 1999 in the ordinary course of
business consistent with past practice that, either alone or when combined with
all similar liabilities, have not had, and would not reasonably be expected to
have, a Material Adverse Effect on SouthBanc and (iii) liabilities incurred for
legal, accounting, financial advising fees and out-of-pocket expenses in
connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
(dd) Year 2000 Matters. SouthBanc and its Subsidiaries have not
-----------------
experienced any data processing or other computer malfunctions related to
processing date information on and after January 1, 2000 and none of the third
party service providers or customers of SouthBanc or its Subsidiaries have
reported year 2000 data processing problems to SouthBanc that, individually or
in the aggregate, would have a Material Adverse Effect on SouthBanc.
(ee) Tax Treatment of the Merger. SouthBanc has no knowledge of any
---------------------------
fact or circumstance relating to it that would prevent the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement from qualifying as a reorganization under the
IRC.
40
ARTICLE III
Conduct Pending the Merger
--------------------------
Section 3.1. Conduct of Business Prior to the Effective Time. Except
-----------------------------------------------
as expressly provided in this Agreement, during the period from the date of this
Agreement to the Effective Time, each of SouthBanc and Heritage shall, and shall
cause each of their respective Subsidiaries to, use commercially reasonable
efforts to (i) conduct its business in the regular, ordinary and usual course
consistent with past practice, (ii) maintain and preserve intact its business
organization, properties, leases, employees and advantageous business
relationships and retain the services of its officers and key employees, (iii)
take no action that would adversely affect or delay the ability of Heritage or
SouthBanc to perform their respective covenants and agreements on a timely basis
under this Agreement and (iv) take no action that would adversely affect or
delay the ability of Heritage or SouthBanc to obtain any necessary approvals,
consents or waivers of any governmental authority required for the transactions
contemplated hereby or which would reasonably be expected to result in any such
approvals, consents or waivers containing any material condition or restriction.
Section 3.2. Forbearances. Without limiting the covenants set forth in
------------
Section 3.1 hereof, except as expressly contemplated or permitted by this
Agreement or as set forth on Schedule 3.2 and except to the extent required by
law or regulation or any Governmental Entity, during the period from the date of
this Agreement to the Effective Time, neither SouthBanc nor Heritage shall, and
neither SouthBanc nor Heritage shall permit any of their respective Subsidiaries
to, without the prior written consent of the other party:
(a) other than in the ordinary course of business, incur any
indebtedness for borrowed money, assume, guarantee, endorse or otherwise as an
accommodation become responsible for the obligations of any other individual,
corporation or other entity, or make any loan or advance (it being understood
and agreed that incurrence of indebtedness in the ordinary course of business
shall include, without limitation, the creation of deposit liabilities,
borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank, sales of certificates of deposit and
entering into repurchase agreements);
(b) (i) adjust, split, combine or reclassify any capital stock;
(ii) make, declare or pay any dividend, or make any other
distribution on its capital stock (except (A) in the case
of SouthBanc, for regular quarterly cash dividends at a
rate not in excess of $.15 per share of SouthBanc Common
Stock, (B) in the case of Heritage, for regular quarterly
cash dividends at a rate not in excess of $.075 per share
of Heritage Common Stock and (C) dividends paid by any of
the Subsidiaries of each of SouthBanc and Heritage for
the purpose of enabling SouthBanc or Heritage to pay the
dividends specified in (A) and (B));
41
(iii) grant any stock appreciation rights or grant any
individual, corporation or other entity any right to
acquire any shares of its capital stock; or
(iv) issue any additional shares of capital stock or any
securities or obligations convertible or exercisable for
any shares of its capital stock except pursuant to (A) the
exercise of stock options, outstanding as of the date
hereof, (B) in the case of SouthBanc, its Dividend
Reinvestment Plan or (C) the Heritage Stock Option
Agreement or the SouthBanc Stock Option Agreement;
(c) sell, transfer, mortgage, encumber or otherwise dispose of any of
its material properties or assets to any individual, corporation or other entity
other than a Subsidiary, or cancel, release or assign any indebtedness to any
such person or any claims held by any such person, except in the ordinary course
of business or pursuant to contracts or agreements in force at the date of this
Agreement;
(d) except pursuant to contracts or agreements in force at the date
of or permitted by this Agreement, make any equity investment in excess of
$100,000, either by purchase of stock or securities, contributions to capital,
property transfers, or purchase of any property or assets of any other
individual, corporation or other entity;
(e) enter into, renew, amend or terminate any contract or agreement,
or make any change in any of its leases or contracts, other than with respect to
those involving aggregate payments of less than, or the provision of goods or
services with a market value of less than, $100,000 per annum and other than
contracts or agreements covered by Section 3.2(f);
(f) make, renegotiate, renew, increase, extend, modify or purchase
any loan, lease (credit equivalent), advance, credit enhancement or other
extension of credit, or make any commitment in respect of any of the foregoing,
except in conformity with existing lending practices;
(g) (i) increase in any manner the compensation or fringe benefits
of any of its employees or directors except in the
ordinary course of business consistent with past
practices, or pay any pension, retirement allowance or
contribution not required by any existing plan or
agreement to any such employees or directors;
(ii) become a party to, amend or commit itself to any pension,
retirement, profit-sharing or welfare benefit plan or
agreement or employment agreement with or for the benefit
of any employee or director;
42
(iii) accelerate the vesting of, or the lapsing of restrictions
with respect to, any stock options or other stock-based
compensation; or
(iv) elect to any senior executive office any person who is not
a member of its senior executive officer team as of the
date of this Agreement or elect to its Board of Directors
any person who is not a member of its Board of Directors
as of the date of this Agreement, or hire any employee
with an annual total compensation payment in excess of
$100,000;
(h) settle any claim, action or proceeding involving payment by it of
money damages in excess of $25,000 or impose any material restriction on its
operations or the operations of any of its Subsidiaries;
(i) amend its certificate of incorporation or its bylaws;
(j) restructure or materially change its investment securities
portfolio or its gap position, through purchases, sales or otherwise, or the
manner in which the portfolio is classified or reported;
(k) make any capital expenditures in excess of $100,000 per
expenditure other than pursuant to binding commitments existing on the date
hereof and other than expenditures necessary to maintain existing assets in good
repair or to make payment of necessary taxes;
(l) establish or commit to the establishment of any new branch or
other office facilities or file any application to relocate or terminate the
operation of any banking office;
(m) take any action that is intended or expected to result in any of
its representations and warranties set forth in this Agreement being or becoming
untrue in any material respect at any time prior to the Effective Time, or in
any of the conditions to the Merger set forth in Article V not being satisfied
or in a violation of any provision of this Agreement;
(n) engage in any transaction that is not in the usual and ordinary
course of business and consistent with past practices;
(o) implement or adopt any change in its accounting principles,
practices or methods, other than as may be required by GAAP or regulatory
guidelines;
(p) knowingly take any action that would prevent or impede the Merger
from qualifying as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368 of the
IRC; or
43
(q) agree to take, make any commitment to take, or adopt any
resolutions of its board of directors in support of, any of the actions
prohibited by this Section 3.2.
Any request by either party or response thereto by the other party shall be
made in accordance with the notice provisions of Section 8.7 and shall note that
it is a request pursuant to this Section 3.2.
ARTICLE IV
Covenants
---------
Section 4.1. Acquisition Proposals. From and after the date hereof
---------------------
until the termination of this Agreement, Heritage agrees that neither it nor any
of its Subsidiaries nor any of the officers and directors of it or its
Subsidiaries shall, and that it shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause
its and its Subsidiaries" employees, representatives, agents or affiliates
(including, without limitation, any investment banker, attorney or accountant
retained by it or any of its Subsidiaries) not to, directly or indirectly,
initiate, solicit or knowingly encourage (including by way of furnishing non-
public information or assistance), or facilitate knowingly, any inquiries or the
making of any proposal that constitutes, or may reasonably be expected to lead
to, any Acquisition Proposal (as defined in Section 8.1), or enter into or
maintain or continue discussions or negotiate with any person or entity in
furtherance of such inquiries or to obtain an Acquisition Proposal or agree to
or endorse any Acquisition Proposal, or authorize or permit any of its officers,
directors or employees or any of its Subsidiaries or any investment banker,
financial advisor, attorney, accountant or other representative retained by any
of its Subsidiaries to take any such action, and that it shall notify the other
party orally (within 1 business day) and in writing (as promptly as practicable,
but in no event later than 2 calendar days) of such inquiries and proposals
which it or any of its Subsidiaries or any such officer, director, employee,
investment banker, financial advisor, attorney, accountant or other
representative may receive relating to any of such matters and, if such inquiry
or proposal is in writing, it shall deliver to the other party a copy of such
inquiry or proposal promptly; provided, however, that nothing contained in this
Section 4.1 shall prohibit the Board of Directors of Heritage from:
(i) furnishing information to, or entering into discussions or
negotiations with any person or entity that makes an unsolicited
written, bona fide proposal to acquire Heritage pursuant to a
merger, consolidation, share exchange, business combination,
tender or exchange offer or other similar transaction, if, and
only to the extent that:
(A) the Board of Directors receives a written opinion from its
independent financial advisor that such proposal may be
superior to the Merger from a financial point-of-view to
Heritage's stockholders;
(B) the Board of Directors determines in good faith that such
action is necessary for the Board of Directors to comply
with its fiduciary
44
duties to stockholders under applicable law (such proposal
that satisfies (A) and (B) being referred to herein as a
"Superior Proposal"); and
(C) prior to furnishing such information to, or entering into
discussions or negotiations with, such person or entity,
it:
(1) provides reasonable notice to SouthBanc to the effect
that it is furnishing information to, or entering into
discussions or negotiations with, another party; and
(2) receives from such person or entity an executed
confidentiality agreement in reasonably customary
form;
(ii) complying with Rule 14e-2 promulgated under the Exchange Act
with regard to a tender or exchange offer; or
(iii) failing to make or withdrawing or modifying its recommendation
and entering into a Superior Proposal if there exists a Superior
Proposal and the Board of Directors determines in good faith
that such action is necessary for the Board of Directors to
comply with its fiduciary duties to stockholders under
applicable law.
Section 4.2. Access and Information. Upon reasonable notice, Heritage
----------------------
and SouthBanc shall (and shall cause their respective Subsidiaries to) afford to
the other and their respective representatives (including, without limitation,
directors, officers and employees of such party and its affiliates and counsel,
accountants and other professionals retained by such party) such reasonable
access during normal business hours throughout the period prior to the Effective
Time to the books, records (including, without limitation, tax returns and work
papers of independent auditors), properties, personnel and to such other
information as either party may reasonably request and during such period, each
of Heritage and SouthBanc shall, and shall cause their respective Subsidiaries
to, make available to the other party a copy of each report, schedule,
registration statement and other document filed or received by it during such
period pursuant to the requirements of federal securities laws or federal or
state banking laws; provided, however, that no investigation pursuant to this
Section 4.2 shall affect or be deemed to modify any representation or warranty
made herein. SouthBanc and Heritage will not, and will use their best efforts to
cause their respective representatives not to, use any information obtained
pursuant to this Section 4.2 for any purpose unrelated to the consummation of
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Subject to the requirements of
applicable law, each of SouthBanc and Heritage will keep confidential, and will
use their best efforts to cause their respective representatives to keep
confidential, all information and documents obtained pursuant to this Section
4.2 unless such information (i) was already known to such party or an affiliate
of such party, other than pursuant to a confidentiality agreement or other
confidential relationship, (ii) becomes available to such party or an affiliate
of such party from other sources not known by such party to be bound by a
confidentiality agreement or other obligation of secrecy, (iii) is
45
disclosed with the prior written approval of the other party or (iv) is or
becomes readily ascertainable from published information or trade sources. In
the event that this Agreement is terminated or the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement shall otherwise fail to be consummated, each party shall promptly
cause all copies of documents or extracts thereof containing information and
data as to the other party hereto (or an affiliate of any party hereto) to be
returned to the party that furnished the same.
Section 4.3. Applications; Consents. As soon as practicable after the
----------------------
date hereof, SouthBanc and Heritage shall cooperate with each other and use
their reasonable best efforts to prepare and file all necessary applications,
notices and filings to obtain all permits, consents, approvals and
authorizations of all third parties and Governmental Entities that are necessary
or advisable to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
SouthBanc and Heritage shall have the right to review in advance, and will
consult with each other on, all the information relating to Heritage and
SouthBanc, as the case may be, and any of their respective Subsidiaries, which
appear in any filing made with, or written materials submitted to, any third
party or Governmental Entity in connection with the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement. The parties hereto agree that they will consult with each other
with respect to the obtaining of all permits, consents, approvals and
authorizations of all third parties and Governmental Entities necessary or
advisable to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and each
party will keep the other apprised of the status of matters relating to
completion of the transactions contemplated herein.
Section 4.4. Antitakeover Provisions. SouthBanc, Heritage and their
-----------------------
respective Subsidiaries shall take all steps required by any relevant federal or
state law or regulation or under any relevant agreement or other document to
exempt or continue to exempt the other party, the Agreement and the Merger from
any provisions of an antitakeover nature in SouthBanc's, Heritage's or their
respective Subsidiaries" certificates of incorporation and bylaws, or similar
organizational documents, and the provisions of any federal or state
antitakeover laws.
Section 4.5. Additional Agreements. Subject to the terms and
---------------------
conditions herein provided, each of the parties hereto agrees to use all
reasonable efforts to take promptly, or cause to be taken promptly, all actions
and to do promptly, or cause to be done promptly, all things necessary, proper
or advisable under applicable laws and regulations to consummate and make
effective the transactions contemplated by this Agreement as expeditiously as
possible, including using efforts to obtain all necessary actions or non-
actions, extensions, waivers, consents and approvals from all applicable
Governmental Entities, effecting all necessary registrations, applications and
filings (including, without limitation, filings under any applicable state
securities laws) and obtaining any required contractual consents and regulatory
approvals.
Section 4.6. Publicity. The initial press release announcing this
---------
Agreement shall be a joint press release and thereafter Heritage and SouthBanc
shall consult with each other prior to issuing any press releases or otherwise
making public statements with respect to the Merger and any other transaction
contemplated hereby and in making any filings with any Governmental Entity or
with any national securities exchange or market with respect thereto.
46
Section 4.7. Stockholders Meetings. SouthBanc and Heritage each shall
---------------------
take all action necessary, in accordance with applicable law and its respective
certificate of incorporation and bylaws, to convene a meeting of its respective
stockholders (each, a "Stockholder Meeting") as promptly as practicable for the
purpose of considering and voting on approval and adoption of the transactions
provided for in this Agreement. Except to the extent legally required for the
discharge by the Board of Directors of its fiduciary duties, the Board of
Directors of each of SouthBanc and Heritage shall (i) recommend at its
Stockholder Meeting that the stockholders vote in favor of and approve the
transactions provided for in this Agreement and (ii) use its reasonable best
efforts to solicit such approvals. SouthBanc and Heritage shall coordinate and
cooperate with respect to the timing of their respective Stockholder Meetings.
Section 4.8. Registration of SouthBanc Common Stock.
--------------------------------------
(a) As promptly as reasonably practicable following the date hereof,
SouthBanc and Heritage shall cooperate in preparing and each shall cause to be
filed with the SEC mutually acceptable proxy materials which shall constitute
the Joint Proxy Statement-Prospectus relating to the matters to be submitted to
the SouthBanc stockholders at the SouthBanc Stockholders Meeting and the matters
to be submitted to the Heritage stockholders at the Heritage Stockholders
Meeting (such proxy statement/prospectus, and any amendments or supplements
thereto, the "Joint Proxy Statement-Prospectus") and SouthBanc shall prepare and
file with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-4 with respect to the
issuance of SouthBanc Common Stock in the Merger (such Form S-4, and any
amendments or supplements thereto, the "Registration Statement"). The Joint
Proxy Statement-Prospectus will be included as a prospectus in and will
constitute a part of the Registration Statement as SouthBanc's prospectus. Each
of SouthBanc and Heritage shall use reasonable best efforts to have the Joint
Proxy Statement-Prospectus cleared by the SEC and the Registration Statement
declared effective by the SEC and to keep the Registration Statement effective
as long as is necessary to consummate the Merger and the transactions
contemplated thereby. SouthBanc and Heritage shall, as promptly as practicable
after receipt thereof, provide the other party copies of any written comments
and advise the other party of any oral comments, with respect to the Joint Proxy
Statement-Prospectus or Registration Statement received from the SEC. The
parties shall cooperate and provide the other with a reasonable opportunity to
review and comment on any amendment or supplement to the Joint Proxy Statement-
Prospectus and the Registration Statement prior to filing such with the SEC, and
will provide each other with a copy of all such filings made with the SEC.
Notwithstanding any other provision herein to the contrary, no amendment or
supplement (including by incorporation by reference) to the Joint Proxy
Statement-Prospectus or the Registration Statement shall be made without the
approval of both parties, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld or
delayed; provided that with respect to documents filed by a party which are
incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement or Joint Proxy
Statement-Prospectus, this right of approval shall apply only with respect to
information relating to the other party or its business, financial condition or
results of operations. SouthBanc will use reasonable best efforts to cause the
Joint Proxy Statement-Prospectus to be mailed to SouthBanc stockholders, and
Heritage will use reasonable
47
best efforts to cause the Joint Proxy Statement-Prospectus to be mailed to
Heritage's stockholders, in each case as promptly as practicable after the
Registration Statement is declared effective under the Securities Act. Each
party will advise the other party, promptly after it receives notice thereof, of
the time when the Registration Statement has become effective, the issuance of
any stop order, the suspension of the qualification of the SouthBanc Common
Stock issuable in connection with the Merger for offering or sale in any
jurisdiction, or any request by the SEC for amendment of the Joint Proxy
Statement-Prospectus or the Registration Statement. If at any time prior to the
Effective Time any information relating to SouthBanc or Heritage, or any of
their respective affiliates, officers or directors, should be discovered by
SouthBanc or Heritage which should be set forth in an amendment or supplement to
any of the Registration Statement or the Joint Proxy Statement-Prospectus so
that any of such documents would not include any misstatement of a material fact
or omit to state any material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in
light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, the party
which discovers such information shall promptly notify the other party hereto
and, to the extent required by law, rules or regulations, an appropriate
amendment or supplement describing such information shall be promptly filed with
the SEC and disseminated to the stockholders of SouthBanc and Heritage.
(b) SouthBanc shall also take any action (other than qualifying to do
business in any jurisdiction in which it is not now so qualified or to file a
general consent to service of process) required to be taken under any applicable
state securities laws in connection with the Merger and each of Heritage and
SouthBanc shall furnish all information concerning it and the holders of its
Common Stock as may be reasonably requested in connection with any such action.
(c) Prior to the Effective Time, SouthBanc shall notify the Nasdaq
National Market of the additional shares of SouthBanc Common Stock to be issued
by SouthBanc in exchange for the shares of Heritage Common Stock.
Section 4.9. Affiliate Letters. Heritage shall use its best efforts to
-----------------
cause each director, executive officer and other person who is an "affiliate" of
Heritage under Rule 145 of the Securities Act to deliver to SouthBanc as soon as
practicable and prior to the mailing of the Joint Proxy Statement-Prospectus
executed letter agreements, each substantially in the form attached hereto as
Exhibit C, providing that such person will comply with Rule 145.
---------
Section 4.10 Notification of Certain Matters. Each party shall give
-------------------------------
prompt notice to the other of: (i) any event or notice of, or other
communication relating to, a default or event that, with notice or lapse of time
or both, would become a default, received by it or any of its Subsidiaries
subsequent to the date of this Agreement and prior to the Effective Time, under
any contract material to the financial condition, properties, businesses or
results of operations of each party and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole to
which each party or any Subsidiary is a party or is subject; and (ii) any event,
condition, change or occurrence which individually or in the aggregate has, or
which, so far as reasonably can be foreseen at the time of its occurrence, is
48
reasonably likely to result in a Material Adverse Effect. Each of Heritage and
SouthBanc shall give prompt notice to the other party of any notice or other
communication from any third party alleging that the consent of such third party
is or may be required in connection with any of the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement.
Section 4.11. Employees, Directors and Officers.
---------------------------------
(a) All persons who are employees of Heritage Federal immediately
prior to the Effective Time ("Heritage's Employees") shall, at the Effective
Time, continue as employees of Heritage Federal ("Continuing Employees").
Subject to paragraph (f) of this Section 4.11, all Continuing Employees shall be
employed at the will of Heritage Federal and no contractual right to employment
shall inure to such employees because of this Agreement.
(b) Except as provided in Section 4.11(e), from and after the
Effective Time, unless otherwise mutually determined, the SouthBanc Employee
Plans and the Heritage Employee Plans in effect as of the date of this Agreement
shall remain in effect with respect to employees of SouthBanc and Heritage and
their respective Subsidiaries covered by such plans and arrangements at the
Effective Time until such time as SouthBanc shall, subject to applicable law,
the terms of this Agreement and the terms of such plans, adopt new benefit plans
and arrangements with respect to the employees of SouthBanc and its Subsidiaries
("New Benefit Plans"), including all Continuing Employees. Prior to the
Effective Time, SouthBanc and Heritage shall cooperate in reviewing, evaluating
and analyzing the SouthBanc Employee Plans and the Heritage Employee Plans with
a view toward developing appropriate New Benefit Plans.
(c) The foregoing subparagraph (b) notwithstanding, SouthBanc agrees
to honor in accordance with their terms all benefits vested as of the Effective
Time under the SouthBanc Employee Plans and the Heritage Employee Plans and all
vested benefits or other vested amounts earned or accrued through such time
under contracts, arrangement commitments or understandings described in Schedule
--------
2.1(n) and Schedule 2.2(n), including benefits which vest or are otherwise
------ ---------------
accrued as a result of the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement.
(d) With respect to all New Benefit Plans, SouthBanc agrees that
Continuing Employees shall receive (i) full credit for prior service with
Heritage and Heritage Federal for purposes of eligibility for participation and
vesting, (ii) a waiver of all waiting periods and preexisting condition
exclusions or penalties and (iii) credit for deductibles, copayments or similar
out-of-pocket expenses incurred under any Heritage Employee Plan with respect to
the plan year in which the Effective Time occurs. Notwithstanding anything
herein to the contrary, with respect to participation in Perpetual Bank's
Employee Stock Ownership Plan, Continuing Employees will be eligible to
participate in such plan on the earliest date required by ERISA and the IRC and
with Continuing Employees receiving credit for years of service with Heritage or
any of its Subsidiaries for the purpose of vesting, but not for the purpose of
accrual of benefits or allocation of employer contributions.
49
(e) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the
Heritage Federal Bank Employee Stock Ownership Plan (the "Heritage ESOP") shall
be terminated as of the Effective Time. In connection with the termination of
the Heritage ESOP, Heritage shall promptly apply to the IRS for a determination
letter on the Heritage ESOP's tax-qualified status upon termination under Code
Sections 401(a) and 4975. Prior to any distributions to any Heritage ESOP
participants, the trustees for the Heritage ESOP shall have received a favorable
letter from the IRS related to the tax qualified status of the Heritage ESOP
upon termination. The parties acknowledge that the existing loan between
Heritage and the Heritage ESOP (the "ESOP Loan") shall be repaid in full by the
Heritage ESOP upon such termination or as soon thereafter as practicable. The
parties further acknowledge that, as of the date hereof, the Heritage ESOP has
unallocated assets with a current fair market value exceeding the outstanding
balance (principal and accrued interest) of the ESOP Loan. The parties agree
that, pursuant to the applicable provisions of the Heritage ESOP, participants
in the Heritage ESOP shall benefit from these assets as an allocation of
earnings in the manner and to the extent provided under the Heritage ESOP upon
termination of the Heritage ESOP. Heritage may take such actions as it deems
necessary or appropriate to effectuate this intent. In addition, Heritage may
take such other actions, including the making of other amendments to the plan,
that it deems necessary or appropriate to preserve the tax-qualified status of
the Heritage ESOP or the exempt status of the ESOP Loan. From and after the
Effective Time, the administrative and other authority previously exercised
solely by a committee appointed by the Board of Directors of Heritage Federal
shall be exercised by a committee appointed by the Board of Directors of
Heritage in consultation with SouthBanc. The committee shall advise and consult
with SouthBanc regarding all actions taken with respect to the Heritage ESOP
following the Effective Time.
On or before the Effective Time, Heritage may make such contributions
to the Heritage ESOP as may be necessary to permit the Heritage ESOP to make
scheduled principal and interest payments on any outstanding exempt loan in
accordance with past practice.
(f) From and after the Effective Time, J. Xxxxxx Xxxxx shall serve
as Chairman of SouthBanc, X.X. Xxxxxxx, Xx. shall serve as Vice Chairman of
SouthBanc and Xxxxxx X. Xxx shall serve as President and Chief Executive Officer
of SouthBanc. At the Effective Time, SouthBanc and Heritage Federal shall enter
into employment agreements with J. Xxxxxx Xxxxx substantially in the form
attached hereto as Exhibits D and E, respectively. At the Effective Time,
---------- -
SouthBanc and Heritage Federal shall enter into Change in Control Agreements
with Xxxxx X. Xxxxxx, Will X. Xxxxxxxx, Xxxx X. Xxxxxxxx and Xxxxx X. Xxxxxx,
Xx. substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit F.
---------
(g) SouthBanc shall cause Perpetual Bank to appoint J. Xxxxxx Xxxxx
to the Board of Directors of Perpetual Bank as of the Effective Time. Heritage
shall cause Heritage Federal to appoint Xxxxxx X. Xxx and one other member of
the Board of Directors of SouthBanc, who shall be designated by SouthBanc, to
the Board of Directors of Heritage Federal as of the Effective Time.
50
Section 4.12. Indemnification.
---------------
(a) From and after the Effective Time through the sixth anniversary
of the Effective Date, SouthBanc agrees to indemnify and hold harmless each
present and former director and officer of Heritage and its Subsidiaries and
each officer or employee of Heritage and its Subsidiaries that is serving or has
served as a director or trustee of another entity expressly at Heritage's
request or direction (each, an "Indemnified Party"), against any costs or
expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees), judgments, fines, amounts paid
in settlement, losses, claims, damages or liabilities (collectively, "Costs")
incurred in connection with any claim, action, suit, proceeding or
investigation, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, arising
out of matters existing or occurring at or prior to the Effective Time
(including the transactions contemplated by this Agreement), whether asserted or
claimed prior to, at or after the Effective Time, and to advance any such Costs
to each Indemnified Party as they are from time to time incurred, in each case
to the fullest extent such Indemnified Party would have been indemnified as a
director, officer or employee of Heritage and its Subsidiaries and as then
permitted under applicable law.
(b) Any Indemnified Party wishing to claim indemnification under
Section 4.12(a), upon learning of any such claim, action, suit, proceeding or
investigation, shall promptly notify SouthBanc thereof, but the failure to so
notify shall not relieve SouthBanc of any liability it may have hereunder to
such Indemnified Party if such failure does not materially and substantially
prejudice SouthBanc. In the event of any such claim, action, suit, proceeding or
investigation, (i) SouthBanc shall have the right to assume the defense thereof
with counsel reasonably acceptable to the Indemnified Party and SouthBanc shall
not be liable to such Indemnified Party for any legal expenses of other counsel
subsequently incurred by such Indemnified Party in connection with the defense
thereof, except that if SouthBanc does not elect to assume such defense within a
reasonable time or counsel for the Indemnified Party at any time advises that
there are issues which raise conflicts of interest between SouthBanc and the
Indemnified Party (and counsel for SouthBanc does not disagree), the Indemnified
Party may retain counsel satisfactory to such Indemnified Party, and SouthBanc
shall remain responsible for the reasonable fees and expenses of such counsel as
set forth above, to be paid promptly as statements therefor are received;
provided, however, that SouthBanc shall be obligated pursuant to this paragraph
(b) to pay for only one firm of counsel for all Indemnified Parties in any one
jurisdiction with respect to any given claim, action, suit, proceeding or
investigation unless the use of one counsel for such Indemnified Parties would
present such counsel with a conflict of interest; (ii) the Indemnified Party
will reasonably cooperate in the defense of any such matter; and (iii) SouthBanc
shall not be liable for any settlement effected by an Indemnified Party without
its prior written consent, which consent may not be withheld unless such
settlement is unreasonable in light of such claims, actions, suits, proceedings
or investigations against, or defenses available to, such Indemnified Party.
(c) SouthBanc shall pay all reasonable Costs, including attorneys'
fees, that may be incurred by any Indemnified Party in successfully enforcing
the indemnity and other obligations provided for in this Section 4.12 to the
fullest extent permitted under applicable law. The rights of each Indemnified
Party hereunder shall be in addition to any other rights such Indemnified Party
may have under applicable law.
51
(d) SouthBanc shall maintain Heritage's existing directors' and
officers' liability insurance policy (or provide a policy providing comparable
coverage and amounts on terms no less favorable to the persons currently covered
by Heritage's existing policy, including SouthBanc's existing policy if it meets
the foregoing standard) covering persons who are currently covered by such
insurance for a period of three years after the Effective Time; provided,
however, that in no event shall SouthBanc be obligated to expend, in order to
maintain or provide insurance coverage pursuant to this Section 4.12(d), an
amount per annum in excess of 200% of the amount of the annual premiums paid by
Heritage as of the date hereof for such insurance ("Maximum Insurance Amount");
provided further, that if the amount of the annual premiums necessary to
maintain or procure such insurance coverage exceeds the Maximum Insurance
Amount, SouthBanc shall obtain the most advantageous coverage obtainable for an
annual premium equal to the Maximum Insurance Amount.
(e) In the event SouthBanc or any of its successors or assigns
(i) consolidates with or merges into any other person or entity and shall not be
the continuing or surviving corporation or entity of such consolidation or
merger, or (ii) transfers or conveys all or substantially all of its properties
and assets to any person or entity, then, and in each such case, to the extent
necessary, proper provision shall be made so that the successors and assigns of
SouthBanc assume the obligations set forth in this Section 4.12.
(f) The provisions of this Section 4.12 are intended to be for the
benefit of, and shall be enforceable by, each Indemnified Party and his or her
representatives.
Section 4.13. Dividends. After the date of this Agreement, each of
---------
Heritage and SouthBanc shall coordinate with the other the declaration of any
dividends in respect of Heritage Common Stock and SouthBanc Common Stock and the
record dates and payment dates relating thereto, it being the intention of the
parties hereto that holders of Heritage Common Stock shall not receive two
dividends, or fail to receive one dividend, for any quarter with respect to
their shares of Heritage Common Stock and any shares of SouthBanc Common Stock
any such holder receives in exchange therefor in the Merger.
Section 4.14 Section 16 Matters. Prior to the Effective Time,
------------------
Heritage and SouthBanc shall take all such steps as may be required to cause any
dispositions of Heritage Common Stock (including derivative securities with
respect to Heritage Common Stock) or acquisitions of SouthBanc Common Stock
resulting from the transactions contemplated by this Agreement by each
individual who is subject to the reporting requirements of Section 16(a) of the
Exchange Act with respect to Heritage to be exempt under Rule 16b-3 promulgated
under the Exchange Act.
52
ARTICLE V
Conditions to Consummation
--------------------------
Section 5.1. Conditions to Each Party's Obligations. The respective
--------------------------------------
obligations of each party to effect the Merger shall be subject to the
satisfaction of the following conditions:
(a) Stockholder Approvals. This Agreement shall have been approved
---------------------
by the requisite vote of Heritage's and SouthBanc's stockholders in accordance
with applicable laws and regulations.
(b) Regulatory Approvals. All approvals, consents or waivers
--------------------
of any Governmental Entity required to permit consummation of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement shall have been obtained and shall remain in full
force and effect, and all statutory waiting periods shall have expired;
provided, however, that none of such approvals, consents or waivers shall
contain any condition or requirement that would so materially and adversely
impact the economic or business benefits to SouthBanc or Heritage of the
transactions contemplated hereby that, had such condition or requirement been
known, such party would not, in its reasonable judgment, have entered into this
Agreement.
(c) No Injunctions or Restraints; Illegality. No party hereto
----------------------------------------
shall be subject to any order, decree or injunction of a court or agency of
competent jurisdiction that enjoins or prohibits the consummation of the Merger
and no Governmental Entity shall have instituted any proceeding for the purpose
of enjoining or prohibiting the consummation of the Merger or any transactions
contemplated by this Agreement. No statute, rule or regulation shall have been
enacted, entered, promulgated or enforced by any Governmental Entity which
prohibits, restricts or makes illegal consummation of the Merger.
(d) Registration Statement; Blue Sky Laws. The Registration
-------------------------------------
Statement shall have been declared effective by the SEC and no proceedings shall
be pending or threatened by the SEC to suspend the effectiveness of the
Registration Statement, and SouthBanc shall have received all required approvals
by state securities or "blue sky" authorities with respect to the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement.
(e) Third Party Consents. SouthBanc and Heritage shall have
--------------------
obtained the consent or approval of each person (other than the governmental
approvals or consents referred to in Section 5.1(b)) whose consent or approval
shall be required to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement,
except those for which failure to obtain such consents and approvals would not,
individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect on SouthBanc
(after giving effect to the consummation of the transactions contemplated
hereby) or upon the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.
(f) Tax Opinion. SouthBanc and Heritage shall have received
-----------
opinions of Xxxxxxx, Spidi, & Xxxxx, P.C. and Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxx & Xxxxxxxx LLP,
respectively, dated as of the Effective Date, in form and substance customary in
transactions of the type contemplated hereby, and reasonably satisfactory to
SouthBanc and Heritage, as the case may be, substantially
53
to the effect that on the basis of the facts, representations and assumptions
set forth in such opinions which are consistent with the state of facts existing
at the Effective Time, the Merger will be treated for federal income tax
purposes as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the IRC and
that accordingly:
(i) No gain or loss will be recognized by SouthBanc or
Heritage as a result of the Merger;
(ii) Except to the extent of any cash received as part of
the Merger Consideration or in lieu of a fractional share interest in SouthBanc
Common Stock, no gain or loss will be recognized by the stockholders of Heritage
who exchange their Heritage Common Stock for SouthBanc Common Stock pursuant to
the Merger;
(iii) The tax basis of SouthBanc Common Stock received by
stockholders who exchange their Heritage Common Stock for SouthBanc Common Stock
in the Merger will be the same as the tax basis of Heritage Common Stock
surrendered pursuant to the Merger, reduced by any amount allocable to a
fractional share interest for which cash is received and increased by any gain
recognized on the exchange; and
(iv) The holding period of SouthBanc Common Stock received
by each stockholder in the Merger will include the holding period of Heritage
Common Stock exchanged therefor, provided that such stockholder held such
Heritage Common Stock as a capital asset on the Effective Date.
Such opinions may be based on, in addition to the review of such
matters of fact and law as counsel considers appropriate, representations
contained in certificates of officers of SouthBanc, Heritage and others.
Section 5.2. Conditions to the Obligations of SouthBanc. The
------------------------------------------
obligations of SouthBanc to effect the Merger shall be further subject to the
satisfaction of the following additional conditions, any one or more of which
may be waived by SouthBanc:
(a) Representations and Warranties; Performance of Obligations. Each
----------------------------------------------------------
of the obligations of Heritage required to be performed by it at or prior to the
Closing pursuant to the terms of this Agreement shall have been duly performed
and complied with in all material respects and the representations and
warranties of Heritage contained in this Agreement shall be true and correct as
of the date of this Agreement and as of the Effective Time as though made at and
as of the Effective Time (except as to any representation or warranty that
specifically relates to an earlier date), and SouthBanc shall have received a
certificate to the foregoing effect signed by the chief executive officer and
the chief financial or principal accounting officer of Heritage; provided,
however, that for purposes of this paragraph, such representations and
warranties shall be deemed to be true and correct unless the failure or failures
of such representations and warranties to be so true and correct, either
individually or in the aggregate, and without giving effect to any qualification
as to materiality set forth in such representations and warranties, will have a
Material Adverse Effect on Heritage.
54
(b) Dissenters' Shares. Dissenters' rights shall not have been
------------------
exercised with respect to more than 10% of the outstanding shares of Heritage
Common Stock.
(c) Good Standing and Other Certificates. SouthBanc shall have
------------------------------------
received certificates (such certificates to be dated as of a day as close as
practicable to the Closing Date) from appropriate authorities as to the
corporate existence of Heritage and its Subsidiaries and such other documents
and certificates to evidence fulfillment of the conditions set forth in Sections
5.1 and 5.2 as SouthBanc may reasonably require.
Section 5.3. Conditions to the Obligations of Heritage. The
-----------------------------------------
obligations of Heritage to effect the Merger shall be further subject to the
satisfaction of the following additional conditions, any one or more of which
may be waived by Heritage:
(a) Representations and Warranties; Performance of Obligations.
----------------------------------------------------------
Each of the obligations of SouthBanc required to be performed by it at or prior
to the Closing pursuant to the terms of this Agreement shall have been duly
performed and complied with in all material respects and the representations and
warranties of SouthBanc contained in this Agreement shall be true and correct as
of the date of this Agreement and as of the Effective Time as though made at and
as of the Effective Time (except as to any representation or warranty which
specifically relates to an earlier date), and Heritage shall have received a
certificate to the foregoing effect signed by the chief executive officer and
the chief financial or principal accounting officer of SouthBanc; provided,
however, that for purposes of this paragraph, such representations and
warranties shall be deemed to be true and correct unless the failure or failures
of such representations and warranties to be so true and correct, either
individually or in the aggregate, and without giving effect to any qualification
as to materiality set forth in such representations and warranties, will have a
Material Adverse Effect on SouthBanc.
(b) Deposit of Merger Consideration. SouthBanc shall have
-------------------------------
deposited with the Exchange Agent sufficient cash to pay the aggregate Cash
Consideration and Heritage shall have received a certificate from the Exchange
Agent to such effect.
(c) Good Standing and Other Certificates. Heritage shall have
------------------------------------
received certificates (such certificates to be dated as of a day as close as
practicable to the Closing Date) from appropriate authorities as to the
corporate existence of SouthBanc and its Subsidiaries and such other documents
and certificates to evidence fulfillment of the conditions set forth in Sections
5.1 and 5.3 as Heritage may reasonably require.
ARTICLE VI
Termination
Section 6.1. Termination. This Agreement may be terminated, and
-----------
the Merger abandoned, at any time prior to the Effective Time, either before
or after any requisite stockholder approval:
55
(a) by the mutual consent of SouthBanc and Heritage in a written
instrument, if the Board of Directors of each so determines by vote of a
majority of the members of its entire Board; or
(b) by either the Board of Directors of SouthBanc or Heritage,
in the event of the failure of the stockholders of Heritage or SouthBanc to
approve the Agreement at its Stockholder Meeting called to consider such
approval; provided, however, that Heritage or SouthBanc, as the case may be,
shall only be entitled to terminate the Agreement pursuant to this clause if it
has complied in all material respects with its obligations under Section 4.7; or
(c) by either the Board of Directors of SouthBanc or Heritage,
if either (i) any approval, consent or waiver of a Governmental Entity required
to permit consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall
have been denied or (ii) any Governmental Entity of competent jurisdiction shall
have issued a final, unappealable order enjoining or otherwise prohibiting
consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement; or
(d) by either the Board of Directors of SouthBanc or Heritage,
in the event that the Merger is not consummated by December 31, 2000, unless the
failure to so consummate by such time is due to the breach of any
representation, warranty or covenant contained in this Agreement by the party
seeking to terminate; or
(e) by either the Board of Directors of SouthBanc or Heritage
(provided that the party seeking termination is not then in material breach of
any representation, warranty, covenant or other agreement contained herein), in
the event of (i) a failure to perform or comply by the other party with any
covenant or agreement of such other party contained in this Agreement, which
failure or non-compliance is material in the context of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement, or (ii) any inaccuracies, omissions or breach in
the representations, warranties, covenants or agreements of the other party
contained in this Agreement the circumstances as to which either individually or
in the aggregate have, or reasonably could be expected to have, a Material
Adverse Effect on such other party; in either case which has not been or cannot
be cured within 30 calendar days after written notice thereof is given by the
party seeking to terminate to such other party; or
(f) by either the Board of Directors of SouthBanc or Heritage,
if the Board of Directors of the other party does not publicly recommend in the
Joint Proxy Statement-Prospectus that stockholders approve and adopt this
Agreement or if, after recommending in the Joint Proxy Statement-Prospectus that
stockholders approve and adopt this Agreement, the Board of Directors of the
other party shall have withdrawn, qualified or revised such recommendation in
any respect materially adverse to the party seeking to terminate this Agreement;
or
(g) by Heritage, if the Board of Directors of Heritage
reasonably determines that a proposal made by a third party to acquire, directly
or indirectly, including pursuant to a tender offer, exchange offer, merger,
consolidation, business combination, recapitalization, liquidation, dissolution
or similar transaction, for consideration consisting of cash and/or
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securities, more than 50% of the combined voting power of the shares of Heritage
Common Stock then outstanding or all or substantially all of the assets of
Heritage constitutes a Superior Proposal and that such proposal must be accepted
in order for the Board of Directors to comply with its fiduciary duties to
stockholders under applicable law; or
(h) by the Board of Directors of Heritage, within five
business days after the end of the Measurement Period (as defined in Section
8.1), if the SouthBanc Price is less than $14.05; provided, however, that if
within five calendar days after receipt of notice of termination pursuant to
this paragraph (i), SouthBanc provides written notice to Heritage that it shall
increase the Exchange Ratio to an amount equal (rounded to the nearest
one-thousandth) to $15.57 divided by the SouthBanc Price, in which case no
termination shall be deemed to have occurred pursuant to this Section 6.1(i) and
this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect in accordance with its
terms (except the Exchange Ratio shall have been so modified).
Section 6.2. Effect of Termination. In the event of
-----------------------------------
termination of this Agreement by either SouthBanc or Heritage as provided in
Section 6.1, this Agreement shall forthwith become void and have no effect, and
there shall be no liability on the part of any party hereto or their respective
officers and directors, except (i) the last two sentences of Section 4.2, and
Sections 8.6 and 8.7, shall survive any termination of this Agreement, and (ii)
that notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, no
party shall be relieved or released from any liabilities or damages arising out
of its willful breach of any provision of this Agreement.
ARTICLE VII
Closing, Effective Date and Effective Time
------------------------------------------
Section 7.1. Effective Date and Effective Time. The closing of
---------------------------------
the transactions contemplated hereby ("Closing") shall take place at the offices
of Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxx & Xxxxxxxx LLP, 0000 Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx, X.X., Xxxxxxxxxx, X.X.
00000, unless another place is agreed to by SouthBanc and Heritage, on a date
specified by the parties ("Closing Date") that is no later than 14 days
following the date on which the expiration of the last applicable waiting period
in connection with notices to and approvals of Governmental Entities shall occur
and all conditions to the consummation of this Agreement are satisfied or waived
(excluding conditions that, by their nature, cannot be satisfied until the
Closing Date) unless extended by mutual agreement of the parties. Prior to the
Closing Date, SouthBanc and Heritage shall execute a certificate of merger in
accordance with all appropriate legal requirements, which shall be filed as
required by law on the Closing Date, and the Merger provided for therein shall
become effective upon such filing or on such date as may be specified in such
certificate of merger. The date of such filing or such later effective date as
specified in the certificate of merger is herein referred to as the "Effective
Date." The "Effective Time" of the Merger shall be as set forth in the
certificate of merger.
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Section 7.2. Deliveries at the Closing. Subject to the
-------------------------
provisions of Articles V and VI, on the Closing Date there shall be delivered to
SouthBanc and Heritage the documents and instruments required to be delivered
under Article V.
ARTICLE VIII
Certain Other Matters
---------------------
Section 8.1. Certain Definitions; Interpretation. For
purposes of this Agreement: -----------------------------------
"Acquisition Proposal" means any proposal or offer with respect
to any of the following (other than the transactions contemplated hereunder)
involving Heritage or any of its Subsidiaries: (i) any merger, consolidation,
share exchange, business combination, or other similar transaction; (ii) any
sale, lease, exchange, mortgage, pledge, transfer or other disposition of 25% or
more of its consolidated assets in a single transaction or series of
transactions; (iii) any tender offer or exchange offer for 25% or more of the
outstanding shares of its capital stock or the filing of a registration
statement under the Securities Act in connection therewith; or (iv) any public
announcement of a proposal, plan or intention to do any of the foregoing or any
agreement to engage in any of the foregoing;
"Acquisition Transaction" means any of the following (other than
the transactions contemplated hereunder) involving SouthBanc or any of its
Subsidiaries: (i) any merger, consolidation, share exchange, business
combination, or other similar transaction; (ii) any sale, lease, exchange,
mortgage, pledge, transfer or other disposition of 25% or more of its
consolidated assets in a single transaction or series of transactions; or (iii)
any tender offer or exchange offer for 25% or more of the outstanding shares of
its capital stock or the filing of a registration statement under the Securities
Act in connection therewith;
"CRA" means the Community Reinvestment Act;
"Delaware Law" means the Delaware General Corporation Law;
"Environmental Law" means any federal, state or local law,
statute, ordinance, rule, regulation, code, license, permit, authorization,
approval, consent, order, directive, executive or administrative order,
judgment, decree or injunction relating to (i) the protection, preservation or
restoration of the environment (which includes, without limitation, air, water
vapor, surface water, groundwater, drinking water supply, structures, soil,
surface land, subsurface land, plant and animal life or any other natural
resource), or to human health or safety as it relates to Hazardous Materials, or
(ii) the exposure to, or the use, storage, recycling, treatment, generation,
transportation, processing, handling, labeling, production, release or disposal
of, Hazardous Materials, in each case as amended and as now in effect. The term
Environmental Law includes all federal, state and local laws, rules, regulations
or requirements relating to the protection of the environment or health and
safety, including, without limitation, the Federal Comprehensive Environmental
Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980,
58
the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986, the Federal Water
Pollution Control Act of 1972, the Federal Clean Air Act, the Federal Clean
Water Act, the Federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976
(including, but not limited to, the Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments thereto
and Subtitle I relating to underground storage tanks), the Federal Solid Waste
Disposal and the Federal Toxic Substances Control Act, the Federal Insecticide,
Fungicide and Rodenticide Act, the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Act of
1970 as it relates to Hazardous Materials, the Federal Hazardous Substances
Transportation Act, the Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act, the
Safe Drinking Water Act, the Endangered Species Act, the National Environmental
Policy Act, the Rivers and Harbors Appropriation Act or any so-called
"Superfund" or "Superlien" law, each as amended and as now or hereafter in
effect;
"ERISA" means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974
as amended;
"ERISA Affiliate" means any entity that is considered one
employer with SouthBanc or Heritage, as the case may be, under Section
4001(b)(1) of ERISA or Section 414 of the IRC;
"Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended;
"Excluded Shares" shall consist of (i) Dissenters' Shares and
(ii) shares held directly or indirectly by SouthBanc (other than shares held in
a fiduciary capacity or in satisfaction of a debt previously contracted);
"FDIA" means the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, as amended;
"FDIC" means the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation;
"GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles;
"Government Regulators" means any federal or state governmental
authority charged with the supervision or regulation of depository institutions
or depository institution holding companies or engaged in the insurance of bank
deposits;
"Governmental Entity" means any court, administrative agency or
commission or other governmental authority or instrumentality;
"Hazardous Material" means any substance (whether solid, liquid
or gas) which is or could be detrimental to human health or safety or to the
environment, currently or hereafter listed, defined, designated or classified as
hazardous, toxic, radioactive or dangerous, or otherwise regulated, under any
Environmental Law, whether by type or by quantity, including any substance
containing any such substance as a component. Hazardous Material includes,
without limitation, any toxic waste, pollutant, contaminant, hazardous
substance, toxic substance,
59
hazardous waste, special waste, industrial substance, oil or petroleum, or any
derivative or by-product thereof, radon, radioactive material, asbestos,
asbestos-containing material, urea formaldehyde foam insulation, lead and
polychlorinated biphenyl;
"Heritage Common Stock' means the common stock, par value $.01
per share, of Heritage;
"HOLA" means the Home Owners' Loan Act, as amended;
"IRC" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended;
"IRS" means the Internal Revenue Service;
"knowledge" means, with respect to a party hereto, actual
knowledge of the members of the Board of Directors of that party or any officer
of that party with the title ranking not less than senior vice president;
"Loan" means a loan, lease, advance, credit enhancement,
guarantee or other extension of credit;
"Material Adverse Effect" means an effect which is material
and adverse to the business, financial condition or results of operations of
Heritage or SouthBanc, as the context may dictate, and its Subsidiaries taken as
a whole; provided, however, that any such effect resulting from any (i) changes
in laws, rules or regulations or generally accepted accounting principles or
regulatory accounting requirements or interpretations thereof that apply to both
SouthBanc and Perpetual Bank and Heritage and Heritage Federal, as the case may
be, or to similarly situated financial and/or depository institutions or (ii)
changes in economic conditions affecting financial institutions generally,
including but not limited to, changes in the general level of market interest
rates shall not be considered in determining if a Material Adverse Effect has
occurred;
"Measurement Period" means the ten consecutive trading days
immediately preceding the eleventh calendar day prior to the Closing Date;
"NASD" means the National Association of Securities Dealers,
Inc.;
"OTS" means the Office of Thrift Supervision;
"person" means an individual, corporation, limited liability
company, partnership, association, trust, unincorporated organization or other
entity;
"SEC" means the Securities and Exchange Commission;
60
"Securities Act" means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder;
"SouthBanc Common Stock" means the common stock, par value $0.01
per share, of SouthBanc;
"SouthBanc Price" means the average of the closing sales price
of SouthBanc Common Stock, as reported on the Nasdaq National Market, for the
Measurement Period; provided, however, that in the event SouthBanc Common Stock
does not trade on one or more of the trading days in the Measurement Period, any
such date shall be disregarded in computing the average closing sales price and
the average shall be based upon the closing sales price and number of days on
which SouthBanc Common Stock actually traded during the Measurement Period;
"Subsidiary" means a corporation, partnership, joint venture or
other entity in which Heritage or SouthBanc, as the case may be, has, directly
or indirectly, an equity interest representing 5% or more of any class of the
capital stock thereof or other equity interests therein;
"taxes" means all income, franchise, gross receipts, real and
personal property, real property transfer and gains, wage and employment taxes;
and
"Triggering Event" means any one or more of the following events:
(i) SouthBanc shall have authorized, recommended,
publicly proposed or publicly announced an intention
to authorize, recommend or propose, or entered into
an agreement with any person to effect an
Acquisition Transaction;
(ii) Any person shall have made, in the reasonable
opinion of the Board of Directors of SouthBanc, a
bona fide proposal to SouthBanc or its stockholders
by public announcement, or by written communication
that is or becomes the subject of public disclosure,
to engage in an Acquisition Transaction; and
(iii) Any person shall have commenced (as such term is
defined in Rule 14d-2 under the Exchange Act) or
shall have filed a registration statement under the
Securities Act with respect to, a tender offer or
exchange offer to purchase any shares of SouthBanc
Common Stock such that, upon consummation of such
offer, such person would own or control 25% or more
of the then outstanding shares of SouthBanc Common
Stock.
When a reference is made in this Agreement to Sections, Exhibits
or Schedules, such reference shall be to a Section of, Exhibit or Schedule to,
this Agreement unless otherwise indicated. The table of contents and headings
contained in this Agreement are for ease of
61
reference only and shall not affect the meaning or interpretation of this
Agreement. Whenever the words "include," "includes" or "including" are used in
this Agreement, they shall be deemed followed by the words "without limitation."
Any singular term in this Agreement shall be deemed to include the plural, and
any plural term the singular. Any reference to gender in this Agreement shall be
deemed to include any other gender.
Section 8.2. Survival. Only those agreements and covenants of
--------
the parties that are by their terms applicable in whole or in part after the
Effective Time, including the last two sentences of Section 4.2 and Sections
4.11, 4.12, and 8.6 of this Agreement, shall survive the Effective Time. All
other representations, warranties, agreements and covenants shall be deemed to
be conditions of the Agreement and shall not survive the Effective Time.
Section 8.3. Waiver; Amendment. Prior to the Effective Time, any
-----------------
provision of this Agreement may be: (i) waived in writing by the party
benefitted by the provision or (ii) amended or modified at any time (including
the structure of the transaction) by an agreement in writing between the parties
hereto except that, after the vote by the stockholders of Heritage or SouthBanc,
no amendment or modification may be made that would reduce the amount or alter
or change the kind of consideration to be received by holders of Heritage Common
Stock or contravene any provision of Delaware Law or the federal banking laws,
rules and regulations.
Section 8.4. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in
------------
counterparts each of which shall be deemed to constitute an original, but all
of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
Section 8.5. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed
-------------
by, and interpreted in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware,
without regard to conflicts of laws principles.
Section 8.6. Expenses. Each party hereto will bear all expenses
--------
incurred by it in connection with this Agreement and the transactions
contemplated hereby, except that expenses incurred in connection with the
filing, printing and mailing of the Joint Proxy Statement-Prospectus and
Registration Statement shall be shared equally by SouthBanc and Heritage.
Section 8.7. Notices. All notices, requests, acknowledgments
-------
and other communications hereunder to a party shall be in writing and shall be
deemed to have been duly given when delivered by hand, overnight courier or
facsimile transmission (confirmed in writing) to such party at its address or
facsimile number set forth below or such other address or facsimile transmission
as such party may specify by notice (in accordance with this provision) to the
other party hereto.
If to Heritage, to:
Heritage Bancorp, Inc.
000 X. Xxxx Xxxxxx
Xxxxxxx, Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx 00000
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Facsimile: (000) 000-0000
Attention: J. Xxxxxx Xxxxx
President and Chief Executive
Officer
With copies to:
Xxxx X. Xxxxxxx, Esq.
Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxx & Xxxxxxxx LLP
0000 Xxxxxxxxx Xxx., XX
Xxxxxxxxxx, XX 00000
Facsimile: (000) 000-0000
If to SouthBanc, to:
SouthBanc Shares, Inc.
000 Xxxx Xxxxxx
Xxxxxxxx, Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx 00000
Facsimile: (000) 000-0000
Attention: Xxxxxx X. Xxx
President and Chief Executive
Officer
With copies to:
Xxxx X. Spidi, Esq.
Xxxxxxx Spidi & Xxxxx, PC
0000 X Xxxxxx, X.X.
Xxxxx 000 Xxxx
Xxxxxxxxxx, X.X. 00000
Facsimile: (000) 000-0000
Section 8.8. Entire Agreement; etc. This Agreement,
---------------------
together with the Stock Option Agreements and the Schedules, represents the
entire understanding of the parties hereto with reference to the transactions
contemplated hereby and supersedes any and all other oral or written agreements
heretofore made. All terms and provisions of this Agreement shall be binding
upon and shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective
successors and assigns. Except for Section 4.11 and 4.12, which confer rights on
the parties described therein, nothing in this Agreement is intended to confer
upon any other person any rights or remedies of any nature whatsoever under or
by reason of this Agreement.
Section 8.9. Successors and Assigns; Assignment. This
----------------------------------
Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto
and their respective successors and assigns; provided, however, that this
Agreement may not be assigned by either party hereto without the written consent
of the other party.
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In Witness Whereof, the parties hereto have caused this
Agreement to be executed by their duly authorized officers as of the 14th day of
February, 2000.
SouthBanc Shares, Inc.
By: /s/ Xxxxxx X. Xxx
---------------------------
Xxxxxx X. Xxx
President and Chief Executive
Officer
Heritage Bancorp, Inc.
By: /s/ J. Xxxxxx Xxxxx
---------------------------
J. Xxxxxx Xxxxx
President and Chief Executive
Officer
64
